Creating a Sensory-Friendly Christmas: Tips for a Calm and Enjoyable Holiday for Children with Autism

Christmas can be an exciting but overwhelming time for children with autism. With its bright lights, loud music, and bustling gatherings, the holiday season may trigger sensory sensitivities. Here are some practical tips for creating a sensory-friendly Christmas to ensure your child feels calm, engaged, and happy.

1. Prepare for Changes in Routine

The holidays often bring changes to daily schedules, which can be challenging for children with autism. Use a visual calendar or social story to help your child understand upcoming events. Preparing them in advance can reduce anxiety and set expectations (Hodgdon, 1995).

2. Create a Calm Environment

Decorations, sounds, and smells can overstimulate your child. Keep decorations simple and opt for soft lighting instead of flashing lights. If music is part of the celebration, choose soft, familiar tunes. Create a “calm-down corner” where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed, equipped with sensory toys or noise-canceling headphones.

3. Plan Sensory-Friendly Activities

Choose activities that align with your child’s preferences. Ideas include:

• Gratitude crafts: Create a gratitude jar where family members write down what they’re thankful for. This simple, positive activity can engage your child without overstimulation.

• Storytime: Read Christmas-themed books with soothing illustrations.

• Baking cookies: Choose a simple recipe and let your child participate in sensory-safe tasks, like stirring dough or using cookie cutters.

4. Choose Thoughtful Gifts

When selecting presents, consider items that cater to your child’s sensory needs or interests. Examples include:

• Weighted blankets for comfort.

• Fidget toys to reduce stress.

• Visual timers to support transitions.

  
  

Avoid noisy or overly complex toys that might overwhelm them.

5. Manage Family Gatherings

Large family gatherings can be overstimulating. To minimize sensory overload:

• Host smaller, quieter gatherings.

• Provide breaks during the event where your child can recharge.

• Let guests know about your child’s preferences, like avoiding loud greetings or sudden changes in activities.

6. Prioritize Your Child’s Comfort

Ultimately, Christmas is about joy and connection. If certain traditions don’t suit your child’s needs, modify or skip them. Flexibility ensures that your child enjoys the season in their own way.

References

1. Hodgdon, L. A. (1995). Visual strategies for improving communication. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 

2. Koegel, R. L., & Koegel, L. K. (2012). Strategies for teaching children with autism spectrum disorder. Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

3. Schaaf, R. C., & Lane, A. E. (2015). Toward a best practice protocol for sensory integration intervention for children with autism spectrum. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.