Surviving the Holidays with ADHD: A Reflection

I wanted to write a positive blog about how to survive the holidays with ADHD—offering tips and insights to navigate the season with grace. But the truth is, I’ve been struggling to write about something I’m not currently experiencing.

I haven’t carved out time for quiet reflection. I’ve tried focusing on my breathing, telling myself not to stress about giving my kids the "perfect" Christmas. Yet here I am, running around, prepping everything, and forgetting to “water myself.”

The holidays are one of the hardest times for me. I used to love Christmas—back when I wasn’t the one responsible for bringing all the "magic." Now, the weight of finding the perfect gifts, stocking stuffers, hiding spots, and preparing Christmas dinner falls squarely on my shoulders. I put so much pressure on myself to make everything perfect for my kids, trying to compensate for those moments when my emotional dysregulation took over.

In trying to make up for what I perceive as failures—those challenges that come with ADHD—I often push myself into a state of exhaustion. My emotions become heightened, my capacity for sensory overload diminishes, and eventually, I just shut down.

I’d love to reach a place where “good enough” feels okay. To be the parent who can take the kids to Christmas markets and genuinely enjoy the experience. I like to think it’s possible, but it’s hard.

Especially for the sake of my daughter, I strive to focus on the positive, strength-based aspects of AuDHD. But for every yin, there’s a yang. The challenges we face as neurodivergent individuals can be overwhelming and exhausting—particularly in a world that isn’t designed for us and doesn’t always hear or understand us.

This is why finding like-minded people is so important. When you connect with those who understand your wins and your losses—who truly see you—it can change everything. Being heard by a community of people who “get it” gives us strength. It gives us a voice. Being part of a neurospicy community has been transformative for me, reminding me that I’m not alone in this journey.

I’m writing this, not to suggest that deep breathing or mindfulness will magically solve your holiday stress, but to let you know: if you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or broken, you’re not alone.

AuDHD and ADHD are exhausting. Learning to navigate a society that doesn’t naturally accommodate us is a lifelong challenge. I’ve only been on this journey of self-understanding for a couple of years, and I hope life will get easier as I learn more.

But for now, I’m doing the best I can.

To those reading this who feel the weight of the season bearing down on them, know this: your best is enough. You are enough. Let’s give ourselves the same compassion w extend to others.