Sensory-Friendly Holiday Tips for Families

Holidays Are a Sensory Explosion

Think about the holidays from a sensory perspective: loud music, bright lights, strong food smells, crowded rooms, itchy clothes, disrupted routines, unfamiliar faces, and constant stimulation.

For a child with sensory processing differences, this isn't festive — it's overloading. And that overload often shows up as meltdowns, refusal, withdrawal, or behavior that well-meaning relatives may misunderstand.

With some planning, you can create holiday experiences that are enjoyable for everyone — including your sensory-sensitive child.

Before the Event: Preparation

Visual Preview

• Show photos of where you're going and who will be there
• Use a social story: "Today we're going to Grandma's house. There will be lots of people. If it gets too loud, I can go to the quiet room."
• Review the schedule: arrival, food, presents, departure

Pack a Sensory Kit

Create a portable kit your child can access anytime:

• Noise-reducing headphones or earplugs
• Sunglasses (for bright lights)
• Fidget toys or stress balls
• A familiar comfort item (blanket, stuffed animal)
• Chewy snacks or gum (oral sensory input)
• A tablet or book as a regulation tool

Plan Your Escape

• Identify a quiet space at the event (a bedroom, the car, a less crowded area)
• Decide on a signal your child can use when they need a break
• Set a time limit and be willing to leave early if needed
• Drive separately so you have flexibility

During the Event: Strategies

Managing Noise

• Arrive early before the crowd builds
• Position your child away from speakers, TV, or kitchen noise
• Use headphones proactively — before overload, not after
• Take outdoor breaks where it's quieter

Managing Food

• Bring familiar foods your child will eat — don't rely on the holiday spread
• Don't force your child to sit at the main table if it's overwhelming
• Brief family members: "Please don't comment on what he's eating"
• Offer food in familiar containers if presentation matters

Managing Social Pressure

Family gatherings often come with well-meaning but overwhelming expectations:

• "Give Aunt Susan a hug!"
• "Why won't she look at me?"
• "He's too old for that behavior"

Advocate for your child:

• "He shows love differently — a high five works great!"
• "She needs a few minutes to warm up. She'll come to you when she's ready."
• "We're working on some things. Thank you for being patient."

Managing Routine Disruption

• Keep as much routine as possible (meal times, nap times, bedtime)
• Bring familiar items from home
• Use visual schedules even at events
• Allow extra downtime the day before and after big events

Holiday-Specific Tips

Thanksgiving

• Offer a plate of safe foods alongside the feast
• Let your child eat in a quieter space if the dining room is too much
• Prepare for strong food smells (cooking can be overwhelming)
• Build in outdoor play or a walk to regulate between activities

December Holidays

• Introduce decorations gradually — don't transform the house overnight
• Use dimmable or warm lights instead of flashing ones
• Let your child open presents in a calm environment, not all at once
• Practice with wrapping paper sounds and textures ahead of time
• Consider a Santa visit on a "sensory-friendly" day (many malls offer these)

New Year's

• Celebrate early — many families do a "noon year's" countdown
• Noise-canceling headphones for fireworks and noisemakers
• Keep bedtime as normal as possible

Talking to Family Members

This may be the hardest part. Some family members don't understand sensory needs, and their comments can hurt.

What you can say:

• "His brain processes sensory information differently. What feels fun to you feels painful to him."
• "She's not being difficult — she's having a difficult time."
• "The best way to help is to be patient and let her come to you."
• "We've learned that forcing things makes it worse. Gentle is better."

What you can share:

Consider sending a brief email before gatherings explaining:

• Your child's specific triggers
• What helps (quiet space, patience, no forced affection)
• How family members can connect in comfortable ways

Most relatives want to help — they just don't know how.

After the Event: Recovery

Expect your child to need decompression time after holiday events:

• Extra downtime with preferred activities
• Return to normal routines as quickly as possible
• Don't schedule back-to-back events
• Validate their experience: "That was a lot of people. You did great."

You Deserve to Enjoy the Holidays Too

It's easy to spend the entire season managing your child's needs and forgetting your own. You matter in this equation:

• Accept help when offered
• Lower your expectations — "good enough" is truly good enough
• Skip events that aren't worth the stress
• Create your own family traditions that work for YOUR family

The holidays don't have to look like a Hallmark movie to be meaningful.

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• 📋 Talk to our team
• 📞 (719) 598-5555

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For sensory-friendly holiday events in Colorado Springs, check local community boards and the Autism Society of Colorado.