It’s 12 days of Christmas calm!

Here are 12 practical and manageable tips to support your child or young person with sensory needs during Christmas:

1. Be aware of your child’s individual needs – Stay mindful of your child’s sensory preferences and sensitivities and how these can be affected in the holidays. Read their reactions and behaviour – Watch for signs of anxiety or discomfort and be ready to adapt the environment or situation as needed.
2. Be flexible – Adapt to changes in the routine to help reduce anxiety and stress. Exit stressful situations – If a situation becomes overwhelming, have a plan for an alternative option.
3. Avoid overpowering scents – Skip scented candles or strong perfumes to prevent sensory overload. An artificial Christmas tree will not have the strong scent of a real one.
4. Manage flashing lights – Consider avoiding flashing lights or loud, flashing decorations that could overwhelm your child. Soft lights that don’t flash may be more tolerable for someone who can be easily visually overstimulated.
5. Communicate with others – Let relatives know about your child’s sensitivities to flashing lights, strong smells or other sensory experiences that are part of celebrations. Communicate with extended family about your child’s needs beforehand, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
6. Be mindful of music – Think about whether there will be music and if it might be too loud or intense. Will they need to bring ear defenders? Is there an option to sit somewhere quieter if necessary?
7. Visualise plans – Share the day’s events with your child using visual schedules so they know what to expect. This can include options for plans to change but still be presented visually to support the child’s understanding.
8. Provide peace and quiet – It’s okay for your child to want quiet time, so create opportunities for calm away from holiday noise. Create a sensory-friendly space – Set up a Christmas-free area where your child can relax and enjoy their favourite activities.
9. Support self-regulation – Allow stimming or other sensory aids to help your child manage stress. Providing sensory tolls to support this, such as OT recommended sensory toys.
10. Prepare for visits – When visiting others, let them know about your child’s sensory needs to ensure a supportive environment. Encourage socialising on their terms, allowing children to interact with adults in ways that feel comfortable to them. Give children some control over how they receive gifts, making the experience more enjoyable for them.
11. Maintain some routine on Christmas day to provide stability and reduce stress. Provide familiar foods to ensure they feel comfortable and secure during meals.
12. Act as a “secure base” for your child in social or stressful situations, offering support when needed. Watch for signs of tiredness or overstimulation and be mindful of your child’s needs. Help children manage big emotions by offering comfort and guidance.