12/18/2025
Hey Friends! Our office will be closed December 22 – January 2 and will reopen on January 5.
The holidays bring lots of excitement, noise, and food! Here are helpful speech, language, and swallowing tips to support kids and adults during your holiday extravaganzas :
🎁 Speech & Language Tips
-Practice introducing yourself to family members or guests
-Use holiday routines (decorating, cooking, traveling) to spark conversation
-Encourage kids to describe gifts using size, color, and function
-Play word games like 20 Questions, Categories, or Guess the Holiday Song
-Allow extra processing time in busy, noisy environments
-Involve kids in cooking to practice following directions and sequencing
🗣 Social Communication
-Practice turn-taking during conversations and games
-Role-play polite ways to join a group or ask for help
-Take breaks if social situations feel overwhelming
-Use visual cues or reminders for expected behaviors at gatherings
🍽 Swallowing & Feeding Tips
-Cut food into smaller pieces and chew thoroughly
-Alternate bites of food with sips of liquid
-Be cautious with sticky, crunchy, or mixed-texture holiday foods
-Slow down, holiday meals don’t need to be rushed
✨ We are so grateful to give our staff time with their loved ones and blessed to work with the great families we serve in our community. We hope you all enjoy a safe, joyful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
