Our ABA team is getting into the holiday spirit! 

Celebrating A Sensory-Friendly Holiday Season

By Team Therapy Smarts 

It’s time to deck the halls for the holiday season! As you and your family prepare for the celebrations to come, team Therapy Smarts wanted to provide our tips to celebrate a sensory-friendly holiday with your loved ones. For all the joy it brings, this season can be particularly challenging for everyone, but especially those with sensory processing differences. Whether it’s managing louder environments, brighter lighting or a general sense of rushing, there are plenty of ways to both navigate and enjoy  the holiday season with your family and loved ones. 

Building Your Sensory Toolkit

Parents of a child with sensory processing sensitivities generally know to plan ahead for any outing, and this is especially true for the hectic holiday season. Whether you are headed to a family’s dinner party or a Christmas market, it may be beneficial to build and bring a sensory toolkit along with you. These kits are designed to  help your child regulate and calm his or herself, regardless of where you are. 

A sensory kit may include: 

  • A visual schedule: This tool can help ease your child’s anxieties by providing a representation of what to expect during the family outing. It can also prepare them to greet and interact with unfamiliar family members and friends. If possible, consider taking photos of your destination in order to provide an accurate representation of expectation. 
  • Sensory toys: Pack a small bag of your child’s favorite sensory toys, such as fidget cubes, stress balls, pop tubes and more. 

 

  • Share safe spaces for sensory breaks: For in-home events, you may choose to designate a safe space for your child to return to if they find themselves feeling overwhelmed or dysregulated. You might consider placing regulating items there, such as a sensory blanket. 

Need recommendations for sensory tools your child will love? Check out some of our occupational therapists’ favorite toys in the video below! 

Plan Sensory-Friendly Holiday Activities

As well as ensuring that your child is supported in places outside your home, it may also be useful to plan activities that are less stimulating. Here are a few ideas to spread some holiday cheer in a non-overwhelming environment. 

  • Sensory-friendly move night: Host those you love or hit the theater during a sensory-friendly movie! These offerings typically soften the sound of the movies and keep lights brighter. Other tools like subtitles may be used to help support engagement. 


  • Enjoy the music: Many children with sensory processing differences enjoy the sound of music. You can encourage that enjoyment by allowing them to play or sing along to holiday favorites whether at home or on the go.  

 

  • Bake a sweet treat: The benefits of baking are twofold— it’s a stimulating tactile experience and children enjoy a treat at the end! You know your child’s preferences better than anyone, so you can take over to manage any sensations they may find overwhelming, in a tactile sense.

Embrace Flexibility and Empathy

As every parent knows, it’s impossible to plan for every possibility with your child. Fortunately, the holidays are a time for everyone to feel loved and celebrated. These adjustments are easy and straightforward — and, when needed, you should feel empowered to explain how loved ones can help, and what they can expect from your child during the holiday celebrations. Laying this groundwork can help ensure that celebrations kick off to a great start for everyone. 

The holidays may not look the same for everyone, but they are a time to celebrate the bonds we have with those we love— and at the end of the day, the most important factor is ensuring that everyone is enjoying the time they have together. We hope these tips and tricks will help you and your family wherever you choose to spend the season. 

From Team Therapy Smarts to you— wishing you a joyous and restful holiday season ahead!