For many families, Christmas dinner is the highlight of the festive season. For a child who finds eating hard, it can be one of the most difficult meals of the year: new foods, strong smells, a busy table, relatives watching and a meal that goes on for a long time.
If your child has feeding difficulties, it is completely understandable to feel anxious about the big day. A little planning can help everyone enjoy it more, including you.
Why Christmas Dinner Can Feel So Hard
Christmas changes almost everything a child relies on at mealtimes. The food is different, the routine is different, the room is louder and there are more people at the table. Crackers bang, paper hats rustle and the smells from the kitchen can be overwhelming for a child with sensory sensitivities.
On top of that, children often feel the pressure of being watched and encouraged to “just try a bit”. Even well-meaning comments can make an anxious child eat less, not more.
Tips for a Calmer Christmas Dinner
- Bring a safe food. Make sure there is at least one food on the table your child knows and is happy to eat. It is fine if this is the only thing they eat.
- Let your child serve themselves. Having control over what goes on their plate, and how much, can help a child feel safer.
- Keep foods separate. If foods touching each other or gravy on everything is hard for your child, offer a plate with sections or serve items on the side.
- Talk about the day in advance. Explain who will be there, what will happen and what food there will be. Pictures can help younger children.
- Get them involved. Helping to wash vegetables, lay the table or make place cards lets children explore food without any expectation to eat it.
- Think about seating. A seat at the end of the table, near you, with feet supported, can be easier than being squeezed in the middle.
- Plan a quiet space. Agree a calm spot your child can go to if it all gets too much, and let them know it is OK to use it.
- Keep it short. Your child does not have to stay at the table for the whole meal. Joining in for part of it is still a success.
A Word for Family and Friends
It can help to have a quick word with relatives before the day. Ask them not to comment on what or how much your child eats, and not to offer rewards for trying new foods. Success is not measured by whether a child eats a particular food. Sitting at the table, pulling a cracker or passing the potatoes are all wins worth celebrating.
Experience, Not Expectation
At the F.E.D. Foundation, we believe every child deserves to enjoy the food, learning and social experiences around them. At Christmas, that might simply mean being part of the celebration, feeling safe at the table and making happy memories with family.
If mealtimes are a worry for your family all year round, our free Parent Community offers videos, guidance and support from other families who understand. You can also search our Find an Expert directory for certified professionals who specialise in children’s feeding.
