1. Holidays Mean Changes! Thanksgiving and Christmas are two holidays where there are lots of changes!

2. Holidays are the time of year when things are different. Some holiday changes are good, some are bad, some are unexpected and some aren’t. How we deal with them is the key to ‘happy’ holidays!

3. During the holidays, there is NO school! Many teachers and students like having no school, but not having school is a HUGE change! The break for Thanksgiving is 1 week. The break for Christmas holidays is 2 weeks. When students are not at school, their routine is different. It can be hard to not have a routine to follow.

4. How big the changes are during the holidays depends on what you are doing, such as: Are you staying home or traveling somewhere? Is company/family coming to stay at your house? Is there a special meal being prepared? Are you going to be with just your family or are other people joining you?

5. Things that will be different if you travel somewhere are:  the food that you eat – at a restaurant or someone’s house.  the bed that you sleep in.  the things that you do or see each day.  the clothes that you wear. Can you think of anything else?

6. What are some changes if you stay home for the holidays? Staying home for the Holidays could mean:  guests coming to visit – may have to share bedroom/bathroom/toys/games/ etc. with others.  friends could be unavailable to hang out with you.  lots more noise and activities going on.  different foods or a familiar food but cooked differently

7. Changes happen no matter what you do over the holidays. Changes that could happen whether you travel or stay home for the holidays are things like:  schedules and activities  food  entertainment – TV shows, video games, going to the movies, etc.  atmosphere at home, stores, and other people’s houses.

8. How do you deal with holiday changes? Talk to parents or other adults. Find out what is happening during the holidays. Remember your calming strategies: 3 deep breaths, counting to 10 slowly, getting away from the situation, drawing pictures, listening to music, etc. Let your parents or other adults know if you are nervous or unsure about the changes that happen over the holidays.

9. Remember, holidays don’t last forever. Soon, the holidays will be over, and things will get back to normal. Company will leave, decorations will be put away, and school will start back. So, while the holidays are happening, try to enjoy them.

10. Changes happen, and then things change again. Remember in order to deal with the changes you can:  Get help from an adult or friend  Use your relaxation techniques – deep breathing, taking a break, counting to 10, read a book, play a video game, etc.  Try new stuff – you never know, you might really like it!

11. So, have a great holiday season! Enjoy your time with family and friends. Enjoy the yummy foods you get during the holidays. Enjoy the decorations you see during the holidays. Remember, this will all be over soon and things will get back to normal!

12. Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas!