Inclusive Holiday Fun: Sensory-Friendly Activities for the Whole Family
🌟 Holiday Overload – Plan for It
The holiday season is magical — but for neurodivergent kids, it can also be overwhelming. Changes in routine (like winter break), visitors, parties, loud music, bright lights, crowded malls, and social expectations can all add stress.
Let’s find ways to help your child enjoy the season in their own way, while you still take part in traditions without so much pressure. The goal: include your child in the spirit of the holidays, not necessarily in the exact same activities as everyone else.
✨ Sensory-Friendly Lights and Decorations
Choose Gentler Displays
If your child loves lights but not crowds, opt for drive-through light displays so they can watch from the comfort of the car. Bring blankets, popcorn, and soft holiday music for a cozy experience.
If walking through displays, try going on a weekday or early evening before it gets busy. Bring noise-cancelling headphones if the music or crowds might be loud.
At Home
Use static lights instead of blinking ones.
Skip musical or motion-activated decorations if surprise noises bother your child.
Let them help decorate in sensory-safe ways: maybe they handle soft ornaments while you do the rough-textured ones.
If the scent of a real tree is too strong, try an artificial tree or a smaller tabletop one.
Swap strong candles for gentle scents, like a mild vanilla electric candle.
Community Tip
Look for sensory-friendly Santa experiences — often with low lighting, shorter waits, and trained Santas. Check Autism Speaks or local disability organizations.
If none are nearby, create your own version:
Have a family member dress as Santa for a short, quiet visit at home.
Or schedule a Zoom call with “Santa”, where your child can engage on their own terms.
🎭 Holiday Events with Accommodations
Adaptive Performances
Some theaters offer sensory-friendly showings of The Nutcracker or holiday movies with reduced volume and relaxed rules. Check local listings.
If not, choose smaller community productions that are more flexible and low-pressure.
Small-Scale Gatherings
Instead of big parties, host a small get-together with friends who understand your child. Try:
A cookie-decorating afternoon
A cozy New Year’s Eve “countdown” at 9 PM
Smaller gatherings help you control the environment and build social comfort gradually.
School Events
If a school pageant is too much, ask for alternatives:
Helping backstage
Watching the dress rehearsal (usually calmer)
🎄 Inclusive Traditions at Home
Baking & Cooking
If sticky textures are hard, let your child pour and mix dry ingredients instead of kneading dough.
Use pre-made dough to skip sensory challenges.
For restricted diets, make safe treats together so they still feel included.
Let them decorate packaging — drawing or adding stickers to gift bags.
Crafts & Gifts
Choose activities that fit your child’s interests:
Paper chain garlands for those who love repetition
Holiday-colored slime or glitter pinecones for sensory seekers
Drawing artwork for family cards or gift tags
Music
If they love music: have a family sing-along (even if it’s the same song five times).
If they’re noise-sensitive: create a gentle holiday playlist with instrumental or lullaby versions.
Religious Services
If your family attends services:
Choose shorter or children’s services
Sit near an exit for breaks
Bring a sensory kit (fidget, headphones, quiet snack)
Take turns stepping out if needed — or have your own family devotional at home.
🕯️ Balance Activity with Downtime
The holidays can quickly turn into sensory overload. Try:
A “one day out, one day home” rhythm during winter break.
Quiet movie nights with subtitles (volume control helps).
Drives to see neighborhood lights in pajamas.
Keep anchors in the routine — like bedtime reading — to help regulate after busy days.
📅 Social Stories for the Holidays
Prepare your child for changes with visual calendars or social stories.
Example:
“On December 25th, we’ll go to Grandma’s at 2 PM. There will be a big meal, but you can have your special food.”
Explain what to expect (sounds, smells, people) and that it’s okay to take breaks or wear headphones.
💖 Inclusion Mindset
Remind relatives to adapt expectations:
If gift unwrapping is overwhelming, open presents quietly and slowly.
If your child doesn’t say “thank you,” a thank-you drawing later counts too.
Celebrate their joy — whether it’s flapping hands, jumping, or smiling quietly.
Give your child meaningful roles:
Present distributor
Family photographer
Gift helper
🎁 Giving Back & Meaning
Help your child join in simple acts of kindness:
Pick out a toy online for a toy drive
Bake treats for neighbors
Deliver cards to family
These low-stress activities nurture empathy and connection — and can become new, heartwarming traditions.
🌈 In Closing
However your family celebrates, the goal is to make warm, meaningful memories together.
Your holiday may not look like a Hallmark movie — and that’s perfectly okay.
Maybe your Christmas morning starts late, or your Hanukkah includes tablet breaks — what matters most is that your celebration feels calm, joyful, and authentic to your child’s needs.
By embracing flexibility and sensory-friendly practices, you’ll fill the season with more laughter than tears — and perhaps create new favorite traditions that everyone loves.
Happy Holidays from all of us — wishing your family peace, comfort, and joy in your unique way of celebrating!
Feeling inspired? 🎄
📞 Book your free 15-minute consultation to get personalized guidance.
📚 Read more on our blog for helpful articles, sensory-friendly ideas, and real-world strategies.
🎧 Listen to our podcast for expert insights and conversations with other families.
