Mia’s Christmas & Changes: Social Story, Planners and Calm Plan Cards (Printable PDF)

A social story, day planner and calm-plan cards to help children prepare for visitors, noise and changes in routine at Christmas and other holidays.

Christmas brings visitors, different food, bright lights and lots of noise. For many children, especially those who like to know what is coming, that can feel like a lot. Mia’s Christmas & Changes helps families get ready together, with a short story, simple planners and calm-plan cards.

WHAT’S INSIDE (11-page printable PDF)

• Mia’s Christmas Story: a six-page social story to read together before the holidays
• 8 “What Might Change?” cards (visitors, different food, noisy gatherings, presents, travelling, no school routine, lights, different bedtime)
• 8 “If It Gets Too Much” calm plan cards (quiet room, headphones, break card, something comforting, step outside, slow breath, drink or snack, I need a moment)
• 8 Words for Presents cards (kind phrases to say, point to or show)
• Who’s Coming? page with photo boxes
• Special Day Planner with morning, midday, afternoon and evening
• Count the Days chart (1 to 25)
• My Holiday Calm Plan to fill in
• Grown-up guide

WHY FAMILIES LIKE IT

• Plain, literal wording
• Helps children see what is coming and when
• Plans for quiet time and breaks before things get busy
• Works for Christmas, birthdays, holidays, trips and any big change

GREAT FOR

The weeks before Christmas, family visits and other celebrations. Ages 4 to 9.

HOW TO USE IT

Start a week or two before. Read Mia’s story together, fill in the Who’s Coming page and planner, and agree a quiet place and break signal in advance. Print on A4 at 100%, cut along the dashed lines and laminate if you like. For US Letter, choose “fit to page”.

LICENCE

One licence covers one family, or one teacher or practitioner using the pack with their own children, class or group. Please don’t share the files, resell them or post them online. Colleagues are welcome to buy their own copy.

PLEASE NOTE

These cards are a supportive tool, not medical or clinical advice. If you have concerns about a child’s anxiety, sensory needs or wellbeing, please speak to a GP, SENCO or other qualified professional.