We're excited to host Sevia Raelson, OTR/L, at our November CAYRgiver Circle on Wednesday, November 20th! Sevia is an Occupational Therapist at Lakeshore Affirmative Therapy. This month we're talking about sensory strategies, especially for the holiday season. In collaboration with Sevia, we’ve created a resource with essential tips to help make the holidays more sensory-friendly.
The holiday season is filled with opportunities to connect and celebrate, but it can also bring unique challenges for neurodivergent people. From bright lights and crowded gatherings to changes in routines, the sensory experiences around the holidays can easily become overwhelming. Understanding and accommodating sensory needs can make this season more enjoyable and less stressful for the whole family.
The many sensory experiences that accompany the holiday season, like food smells, festive lights, holiday music, and crowded spaces, can cause sensory overload. Sensory overload can be understood through a “sensory cup” analogy. For neurodivergent individuals, whose sensory processing "cups" may differ from those of neurotypical people, these stimuli can overflow their nervous systems quickly, leading to stress or sensory overload.
Between breaks from school, holiday gatherings, family visits, and travel plans, there are bound to be plenty of disruptions in the daily routine, which can feel unsettling to neurodivergent individuals. Many cherished holiday traditions also come with unpredictable settings and situations, which can be tricky to navigate for neurodiverse families with varied sensory profiles. Fortunately, Sevia shared several strategies that can help families manage these sensory challenges and create a more enjoyable holiday experience.
Tips for a Sensory-Friendly Holiday
1. Understanding Sensory Systems and Triggers
A foundational step to creating a supportive holiday experience is understanding your family members’ unique sensory profiles, as well as your own.
Identify triggers, like loud sounds or flashing lights, and having soothing strategies on hand is essential. This might include a toolkit with calming items such as noise-canceling headphones, familiar snacks, or a favorite fidget toy.
Learn more about sensory processing basics and how to identify possible triggers by listening to this Learn Play Thrive podcast episode with Dr. Winnie Dunn.
Check out our free printable PDF below that help explore triggers, accommodations, and supports!
2. Setting Up a Sensory-Friendly Holiday Environment
Making adjustments at home and within holiday activities can reduce sensory stress.
Plan inclusive, low-demand activities that cater to family members’ interests and sensory preferences.
Space out holiday events to avoid overwhelming yourself or other family members, and try to maintain consistent routines, when possible.
Look for events that offer sensory-friendly or quiet hours to accommodate sensory preferences.
When decorating, choose sensory-friendly options. This might mean minimizing decorations with flashing lights, loud sounds, or strong scents. Involve your neurodivergent family members in the decorating process to help them feel more comfortable with any new sensory elements and encourage them to express their preferences and dislikes.
When selecting gifts, consider sensory needs. Opt for items that match your child’s preferences and avoid anything that could cause discomfort or trigger sensory sensitivities. Even better, try buying from Neurodivergent-led shops like Fidgets by Amelie, A Sense of Self, All Things Sensory Shop, or Neurodiverse Network !
3. Accommodating Holiday Events for Sensory Needs
Planning ahead for accommodations can help make holiday gatherings more comfortable.
Create an “on-the-go” kit with easy to use items to support individual regulation needs. Some ideas include:
Safe, familiar foods or sensory-friendly snacks for your child to prevent distress around unfamiliar holiday foods.
Noise canceling headphones or earplugs to help with reducing noise.
Headphones to listen to music.
Screens, if they are regulating.
Fidgets and sensory tools catered to the individual’s preferences.
Set up a quiet area for breaks and establish a flexible plan for leaving early if necessary.
Communicate with hosts or family members in advance to gather details about the event setting, which can help with preparing for sensory triggers.
Consider the impact that clothing will have on your child's sensory systems. Keep in mind that things they may be able to wear in your home may impact them more in a less predictable sensory environment.
Prepare boundary phrases to advocate for your child's needs with loved ones.
Planning for post-event recovery (rest, regulation, self-care) is also key to giving everyone the time they need to recharge.
With these strategies, you can approach the holiday season with mindfulness and confidence, creating an inclusive, welcoming environment that allows you and your family to enjoy a joyful, sensory-friendly holiday.
References and Additional Resources:
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