We asked you, all of our burning questions about dyspraxia and Christmas, and in true community spirit, your answers came to the rescue, helping us tackle our festive woes together.

 

At the beginning of December, we took to our socials to ask you a series of questions so that we can learn from you, our wonderful dyspraxia community. After all, one of our favourite sayings is “when we support one another, we thrive”.

 

Nothing makes us feel more warm and fuzzy than seeing our community come together, bonding over shared experiences while sharing tips and advice. Our community may seem small, but we are mighty! We believe your voices are far more valuable than you could know!

 

So we’ve decided to put some of our favourite tips and sentiments that you shared together in one place, for you all to read.

 

 

If you could design a dyspraxia-friendly Christmas, what would it include?

You all had so much to say in response to this question, which also raised more questions for us, especially when it comes to wrapping gifts. But don’t worry, we will get to that!

 

The most relatable comment that sprung out to us was from eveturner9 on Instagram, who said “a tin opener that actually works, and a pop-up timeout room” Our founder Krystal, said, “I think I especially need the timeout room from when the tin opener doesn’t work” as she reflected on her own memories of wrestling with a rogue tin opener.

 

Joshuajcantwell shared on Instagram a very smart idea that had us all saying “ooooo yesssss”. They shared “Extra bits of wrapping paper sticking off of presents so you can grab and tear more easily”

 

Some of us may be able to reflect on memories of struggling to unpick tape on wrapped gifts as family eagerly wait to see your expression as you open your gift, and are instead met with your frustrated expressions as you try to unpick that first corner!

 

Thinking about our collective struggle with spatial awareness and coordination, making sure there is space to move around was a high priority for many. Barry Hale shares one Facebook “less is more - coloured lights that don’t blink - space to move”. Ian Young reflected a similar response with “No clutter, e.g. presents on the floor as is so easy to trip over them” Sujan Nandanwar agrees with “No decorations to fall over or down from the ceiling.

 

 

What helps you manage expectations or energy levels over the holidays?

 

The holidays can be a fun and exciting time, but they can also be a time that pushes some people into burnout from overdoing it while trying to meet everyone else's expectations. It is vital that you also manage your own expectations, and this means setting boundaries, not only for others, but also for yourself.

 

“What does this mean?” We hear you say... well, lets see what our community had to say.

 

Betting Hunt shared on Facebook some of the supportive things she and her husband do to support one another by sharing responsibilities and encouraging one another. “I’m vocal if I need help and assistance. My husband is really good at getting things done, so he helps push me along. I make lists and try to do things early so there isn’t a rush at the last minute”

 

Another great answer came from Claire Louise Taylor, who said, “Planning in advance and choosing carefully which events to attend and not saying yes to everything.”

 

Taylortalksdyspraxia shared on Instagram, "Like everyone else is saying, to-do lists help so much!! Reminding myself of my goals & positive affirmations is also good” We couldn’t agree more on the positive affirmations.

 

We are a big fan of Victoriabrigantia from Instagram for adding rewards to hers: "checklist, rewards and starting very early” Don’t we all deserve a little sweet treat or 5 minutes of doom scrolling for checking something off our lists? We think so.

 

Another great comment to add to our list (see what we did there) is nblakelyphotography from Instagram, who shared “Having a checklist, and following the checklist. Having a budget for gifts.”

 

The most important question of all...

 

Wrapping gifts...

Wrapping paper or gift bags?

 

 

Arguably, this has been the most important question of them all. Do you wrap your gifts in wrapping paper, or do you prefer to give them in gift bags?

 

You may be unsurprised to learn that using gift bags was the overall winner. But not by too much. Some of you reflected on ensuring you buy gifts that are an easy shape to wrap, but will keep gift bags for the trickier shaped gifts.

 

Kimmi.fraser.12 on Instagram reflected this perfectly, saying “Bags - or gifts with deliberately easy to wrap shapes like books or square biscuit tins.”

 

Others, however, shared a very clear preference, such as Cody Reese, who said, “Gift bags. I can’t wrap to save my life, not even as a simple shape like a square” We can absolutely relate with Cody.

 

Thank you for engaging and being so supportive of one another

From the very bottom of our hearts, thank you for being such a supportive community. We often hear from our community and readers that they struggle to find places where they can freely share their experiences and feel represented and heard.

 

While here at Dyspraxia Magazine, we try our best to share tips and advice, the best advice comes directly from you!

 

If you have any burning questions that you would like us to ask on our socials, or maybe you have something inspirational and encouraging to share, then let us know! You can email us at enquiries@dyspraxiamagazine.com with your burning questions or stories to be published in our printed issues.