Holiday Blog Series Part 3: Navigating the Festive Season

Posted: January 6, 2025

Holiday Series Part 3: Navigating the Festive Season

We’re back for one last installment of our holiday series and we’re going out with a bang (literally!). SO many holidays are celebrated for families in December - from Christmas, to Hannukah, to Kwanzaa, to New Years, and more. As we embrace the joy and excitement of the holiday season, it's important to recognize that for families with children who have sensory processing challenges, the festivities can sometimes feel overwhelming. The added sensory elements—such as festive music, dazzling lights, and lively gatherings—can heighten anxiety and make participation difficult. Just like the other holidays we’ve navigated the past few months, thoughtful preparation and awareness can create an environment where every child feels included and valued to be a part of the joy in their own way.

PRE-TRAVEL OR PRE-EVENT

Plan & Communicate + Use a Visual Planner

Share holiday plans openly with your child to avoid surprises. Allow your children to ask questions and get involved in the preparations. [This is where we LOVE using social stories!] Reviewing the holiday plans with your child helps them understand what to expect so they are not caught off guard. Additionally, you can create a visual planner or schedule to display on the refrigerator or carry in the car. You can collaborate with your child’s therapist for support in creating this.

Read About It

Spending time reading about the holiday is a great way to bond and help increase understanding of typical events and activities that occur. These can be commercially found books or social stories where you can create your own with familiar characters to help your child visualize the upcoming experience.

Practice

Do a practice run to help your child feel more comfortable. Pack what you'll bring and take a drive to simulate the experience of going somewhere new. This could be for a special gathering, meal at a nearby friend or family member's house, or a holiday event. While this does take some time, this can truly help make that new environment less overwhelming for your child so that you can actually enjoy the event when it’s time.

Communication Ahead of Time with Family &/or Friends

Let other people know what to expect and what they can do to support you and your child. Inform family members about your child’s needs - from sensory modifications, meal modifications, communication approaches, and environmental supports. This clear communication fosters understanding and avoids misunderstandings. Also make sure to communicate about children’s boundaries with personal space and touching (not everyone wants to be hugged and that’s okay!)

Menu Plan

You can consider introducing new foods gradually leading up to the holiday to help your child adjust. Also, bring familiar foods to ensure comfort and an option that they will eat during the meal. [Eating difficulties were discussed more in depth in the November blog. If you missed it you can check it out here.]

TOOLS & ACTIVITIES

Bring Familiar & Comforting Clothing or Other Items

Everyone loves a good holiday sweater, but if your child’s favorite sweatshirt (that maybe they wear 5-6 days/week) is going to make them feel more comfortable and secure - then ditch the holiday sweater 100%. Likewise, if your child has any items that are particularly comforting to them like a blanket, lovey, or stuffed animal those are a must to bring.

Pack a “Busy Bag”

Prepare a special bag filled with activities like coloring books, play-dough/putty, a favorite stuffed animal, sensory toys, and other activities. This bag of activities can help give children options to stay regulated away from the holiday hustle and bustle.

Adaptive Tools

Similarly consider the environment or activity that you will be participating in and bring tools that will best support your child. Sensitivity to noise? Bring noise reduction or cancellation headphones. Tendency for anxiety? Bring fidget toys or chewy toys. Difficulty with regulation? Bring a weighted vest/blanket/pillow.

Take Sensory Breaks or Movement Breaks

Make sure to consider use of frequent sensory breaks identifying ahead of time a location to move to (ex: guest room of relatives house) that will be safe and quiet. Likewise, incorporate movement breaks, like short walks or yoga, every few hours. These breaks help children stay engaged and regulated amidst holiday festivities.

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES OR APPROACHES

Make New Traditions

You have the option to do or not do anything that you want to! Creating new traditions that are calming for your family instead of loud and crowded events allows for everyone to enjoy year after year. Examples could include activities like nature walks, holiday-themed sensory bins, or decorating cookies which - all enjoyable and memorable!

Shop Differently

In a world where we have the option to shop online and have it at our doorstep within a day or a few days, consider that approach or go without your child when possible. Holiday shopping is overstimulating for neurotypical individuals and I know personally many of us choose to avoid it if possible anyways. If you must shop in store, bring noise-reduction headphones and sensory tools to help manage overwhelm.

Find a Support System

You are not alone. Make sure to connect with other parents who understand the unique stress of navigating holidays with children who have sensory challenges. Building a support system can provide emotional relief and helpful advice. Not sure of how to connect with another parent? Chat with your therapist to see if they have any resources or know of any families that they can connect you with.

Make a "Plan B" & Be Ready to be Flexible

You know what to say - expect the unexpected! Prepare a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected. This can reduce stress and ensure your family has a positive holiday experience - no matter what that may look like.

Final Thoughts

By focusing on planning ahead, modifications to your plans, strategies to accommodate sensory sensitivities, and clear communication across everyone involved, families can cultivate a joyful atmosphere. And one that celebrates not just the holidays, but also the unique experiences and strengths of all their members while enjoying quality time together. Do you have a specific concern about your child or someone you know that you’re not sure how to prepare for or address with the upcoming holidays? Make sure to reach out to your child’s therapy team for support!