Practical Tips for a Joyful Holiday Season with your Neurodivergent Child

The holidays can be a great time but also an overwhelming time in our lives, especially for neurodivergent kids. Big family gatherings, bright lights, blasting music, it’s all so much! I remember when my son was about three years old. He needed an escape from all the people at my grandparents’ home. He wanted to be there but it was all too much, so I let him take my phone and hide behind the couch where he felt safe. 

This simple change made it so the family could continue to enjoy the holiday party and my son got the space he needed. 

You don’t need to cancel your holiday plans if your child is struggling. Here are some simple, thoughtful strategies to make this season smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

1. Seek Out Sensory-Friendly Activities  

Imagine waiting in line to see Santa with dimmed lights, no blaring music, and fewer people! 

Believe it or not – this is becoming more popular. Many places now offer sensory-friendly hours for activities like Santa visits or holiday shopping. During these times, venues often dim the lights, lower the volume, and make other adjustments to create a calmer environment.

 Call your local stores, theaters, or events ahead of time to ask if they offer these hours. Don’t hesitate to ask—if there’s enough interest, they might be inspired to start!

2. Pack Safe Foods  

Holiday meals are filled with new dishes and rich flavors, which can be intimidating or even overwhelming for some kids. 

Bring a few “safe” foods your child loves to ensure they have familiar options. Instead of battling over Aunt Norma’s green bean casserole, let them enjoy foods they know and like. 

This approach also takes the pressure off, allowing everyone to focus on being together rather than worrying about what’s on the plate.

3. Set Up a Sensory-Friendly Space  

Between the noise and the crowd, holiday gatherings can quickly become overstimulating. 

Having a designated “sensory area” or quiet room for your child can be a huge relief. It doesn’t have to be fancy—maybe a corner with headphones, a weighted blanket, and a few favorite activities.

 This space lets them decompress when needed, which can make the whole event a lot more manageable.

4. Prepare Your Child (and the Family!) for Social Interactions  

Holiday gatherings often means seeing extended family and new faces, which can be overwhelming. Talk with your child in advance about who will be there, what they might talk about, and how the day might go. You could even show them pictures of the family members they’ll be meeting! This preparation can give them a sense of predictability, helping them feel more at ease.

And don’t forget about the rest of the family! It’s okay to let family members know about your child’s boundaries, whether it’s personal space or needing to ask before hugging. Sharing these expectations makes everyone feel respected and helps the gathering go more smoothly.

5. Be Flexible with Traditions  

Traditions are wonderful, but they don’t need to be set in stone. If your child needs a break during a big family dinner or would rather skip caroling altogether, that’s okay! 

Modify or pause traditions as needed. Remember, creating memories and enjoying the time together matters more than sticking to any particular ritual.

6. Keep a Positive Perspective  

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, and sometimes that means letting go of rigid expectations. By planning ahead, preparing your child, and staying flexible, you can create a season that’s memorable and enjoyable for everyone—yourself included.

This holiday season, focus on creating memories that work for your unique family. By prioritizing what works best for you and your child, you’ll set the foundation for a truly joyful celebration.

Listen to the full conversation on episode 67 of the Every Brain is Different Podcast.