A UK mother has shared an innovative festive strategy that has transformed Christmas morning for her family, after discovering a way to alleviate her autistic son's anxiety around presents.
From Festive Stress to Christmas Joy
Laura Ellis explained that before her son's autism diagnosis, Christmas Day was often a distressing experience. Despite her efforts to create magic, her son would frequently have tantrums, appear ungrateful, and refuse to engage with his new toys. "I would spend the whole time telling him off for being so ungrateful," Laura admitted, revealing she felt her hard work was a "colossal waste of time."
The turning point came with understanding her son's diagnosis and learning about rigid and repetitive patterns of thought and behaviour (RRBIs), a core diagnostic criterion for autism. This involves a strong need for predictability and significant distress when routines or expectations change. For Laura's son, the uncertainty of not knowing what was hidden under wrapping paper, coupled with gifts potentially not matching his mental image, was simply "too much" to handle.
The 'Elves' Solution: A New Festive Tradition
Laura devised a creative solution involving Santa's Elves. In the days leading up to Christmas, the Elves deliver one gift each day, left unwrapped under the tree. Her son can then inspect, hold, and carry the gift around until bedtime, when he returns it for the Elves to take back to the North Pole. Crucially, he attaches a Post-it note to each item indicating whether he wants it gift-wrapped for its return on Christmas morning.
"Did I tell you that the Elves bring ALL of my autistic son's presents BEFORE Christmas Day?" Laura wrote on Instagram, emphasising this practice was not about spoiling him but about adapting to his neurological needs. This process removes the overwhelming element of surprise and allows him to process the gifts in advance.
Praise for Neurodivergent-Friendly Parenting
The result has been profoundly positive. "Now... he's so excited on Christmas morning!" Laura reported. The anxiety and uncertainty have been replaced with anticipation, allowing the whole family to finally enjoy the festive joy Laura had long craved.
The approach has garnered significant praise online. One commenter called it "excellent," while another, identifying as an autistic 40-year-old, thanked Laura for "understanding and finding an amazing way to work with your son so you can both enjoy life." Laura's story, shared on 10:56, 17 Dec 2025, highlights how adapting traditions can make celebrations inclusive for neurodivergent children, focusing on reducing Christmas presents anxiety and honouring different needs.
