Christmas is a time of joy and excitement, but for children with a mild Long COVID, it can be both challenging and exhausting. The change in routine, the excitement of family gatherings, and the constant stimulation from decorations can leave children feeling overwhelmed and fatigued. But with a little thought and planning, you can ensure that the festive season remains joyful and manageable for your child, even while they continue to recover from Long COVID.
1. Keep the Pace Slow
The holiday season is full of energy, and it can be tempting to join in all the festivities. However, children with Long COVID can become overwhelmed if they’re pushed too hard. You can help them enjoy the season without exhausting them by:
- Prioritising Rest: Build time for relaxation between activities.
- Breaking Traditions Gently: It’s okay to scale back traditions to accommodate your child’s needs this year.
- Creating a Quiet Retreat: Designate a cosy, quiet space where your child can take breaks if needed. This could be a corner with their blankets, or a soft light.
2. Adapt Traditions
Not every Christmas activity has to be intense. Adapting some traditions can help ensure everyone enjoys the season without overdoing it:
- Decorating the Tree: Let your child pick ornaments or help with simple tasks like arranging presents under the tree while someone else handles the heavy lifting.
- Baking Together: Keep it simple by using pre-made dough or baking small, easy-to-make treats together. Pay attention to diet adaptation.
- Gift Unwrapping: Instead of a big gift-giving event all at once, stretch out the unwrapping over the day to make it more manageable.
3. Communicate with Extended Family
Family gatherings can be overwhelming, especially if relatives don’t fully understand your child’s needs. To ensure a more comfortable experience for your child:
- Set Expectations: Let family members know about your child’s limits and how they might need to rest or take breaks.
- Advocate for Boundaries: It’s perfectly okay to leave early or skip an event if your child is feeling unwell.
- Ask for Help: Relatives can often help with low-energy activities like storytelling, watching a Christmas film, or board games.
4. Focus on the Small Joys
Christmas is about more than just big events. Sometimes, smaller, more low-key activities can create special memories:
- Watch a Christmas movie together or read holiday-themed books.
- Have a crafting session making paper snowflakes or drawing Christmas cards.
- Sit together by the tree, enjoying a quiet moments.
5. Smiling Through the Challenges
While managing Long COVID during Christmas can be difficult, it’s also an opportunity to find joy in the little things. A warm hug by the fireplace, a quiet moment of laughter, or the happiness of seeing your child’s face light up at the twinkling tree can bring meaning and joy during this time.
Conclusion
Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. By slowing down and focusing on the things that matter most, you can create a festive season that respects your child’s energy levels while still filling the season with love and joy.
Long Covid Journey 