The holiday season is often a time of bright lights, bustling crowds, festive music, and endless activities. While these experiences can be exciting for many, they can also be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities or special needs. Overstimulation during the holidays is common, but with some planning and thoughtful strategies, you can help your child enjoy the season while staying calm and comfortable.
- Create a Sensory-Safe Space
Designate a quiet area at home or at gatherings where your child can take breaks when the holiday excitement becomes too much. Stock it with comfort items like a weighted blanket, noise-canceling headphones, soft lighting, or favorite toys. Even short breaks in a calm environment can help your child regulate emotions and energy.
- Prepare for Noisy and Busy Environments
Holiday events—shopping, parties, or family gatherings—often include loud music, crowded spaces, or unexpected noises. Preparing your child in advance can make these experiences more manageable:
- Preview events with photos, videos, or social stories.
- Practice coping strategies, like deep breathing or squeezing a fidget toy, taking walks, coloring, etc.
- Set clear expectations for how long you’ll stay and what activities are planned. Allow your child time to feel comfortable communicating their needs and concerns with you and have a plan set in place if need be.
- Maintain Predictable Routines
Even during holiday breaks, routines can provide comfort. Try to keep consistent schedules for meals, naps, and bedtime. Small touches of predictability help your child feel secure amidst the excitement of the season. Visual schedules can be a great tool to use to help your child plan and prepare for upcoming events or gatherings.
- Plan Ahead for Holiday Activities
Not every holiday tradition will be sensory-friendly, and that’s okay. Consider ways to adapt activities for your child:
- Attend quieter times at events or stores.
- Use dimmer lighting or lower volume if possible.
- Bring calming tools or snacks to help your child self-regulate.
- Communicate with Friends and Family
Sharing your child’s needs with loved ones before gatherings can prevent misunderstandings and ensure support. Let them know about sensory sensitivities, what may be overwhelming, and any helpful strategies to keep your child comfortable.
- Focus on Joy, Not Perfection
The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Whether it’s reading a favorite book together, baking cookies, or simply enjoying cozy time at home, the most important part is creating joyful memories in ways that work for your child.
- Incorporate Therapy Strategies at Home
Even during holiday breaks, you can continue reinforcing skills in a fun, low-pressure way. Ask your child’s therapist for simple activities or sensory exercises to keep progress going while allowing your child to enjoy the festivities.
Enjoy the Season, Your Way
Sensory-friendly holidays are all about understanding your child’s needs, planning ahead, and creating spaces where they can thrive. With patience and flexibility, the season can be joyful, inclusive, and memorable for the whole family.
At Associates in Pediatric Therapy, we’re here to help you navigate sensory challenges, celebrate milestones, and support your child all year long—holidays included.