Sensory-Friendly Holiday Tips for Kids From a Licensed Pediatric Therapist

The holidays can be magical, but they can also be loud, busy, and overwhelming for

kids with sensory needs. Here are simple, practical strategies to help your child stay

regulated and comfortable while still enjoying the season:

1. Prep Your Child Ahead of Time

• Talk through what to expect: visitors, noises, smells, schedule changes.

• Use visuals, social stories, or a “holiday plan” to give them predictability.

• Show your child pictures of unfamiliar places they are going to visit.

  
  

 2. Create a Sensory Safe Space

• Set up a quiet corner at home or bring a small “calm kit” to gatherings.

• Include noise-canceling headphones, a favorite fidget, weighted items, or a cozy

  blanket.

  
  

3. Keep Familiar Foods Available

• Holiday meals can be full of new smells and textures. Offer preferred foods

  without pressure.

• Allow your child to step away from the table if the environment becomes

  overwhelming.

  
  

4. Take Movement Breaks

• Build in time for jumping, stretching, swinging, or walking—whatever helps your

  child regulate.

• Use timers or visuals to cue these breaks.

  
  

 5. Manage Sensory-Heavy Decorations

• Let your child help choose decorations that feel safe (not too bright, loud, or

  crowded).

• Introduce new décor slowly to avoid sensory overload.

6. Choose Comfortable Clothing

• If dress clothes are uncomfortable, let your child wear soft fabrics, sensory-

  friendly layers, or remove tags.

• Bring a “backup comfy outfit” to events.

7. Protect Routines (as much as you can)

• Holidays often mean schedule changes—keep bedtime, mealtime, and

  transitions predictable when possible.

• Use visual schedules to map out the day.

  
  

 8. Watch for Early Signs of Overwhelm

• Covering ears, pacing, hiding, meltdowns, or extra clinginess are signals they

  need a break.

• Honor those signals instead of pushing through activities.

  
  

 9. Give Them Choices

Let them choose which traditions they participate in:

1. Which house to open gifts in

2. Whether they sit on Santa’s lap

3. How long they stay at an event

10. Give Family & Friends a Heads-Up

• Let others know ahead of time if your child’s needs may look different during

  holiday gatherings.

• This might include wearing pajamas to Christmas, bringing their own preferred

  foods, or needing support to say “thank you.”

Sharing this early helps others understand, prepare, and ask questions before

the celebration.

11. Keep Expectations Realistic

• Remember: “holiday magic” looks different for every child.

• Celebrate the small wins and follow your child’s lead.

We hope that these sensory friendly tips help you and your child manage the holiday with success. HHH Pediatric Therapy wishes you a wonderful holiday season!