Holiday Sensory Survival Guide
Why Holidays Feel Overwhelming for Many Children
Christmas is painted as magical — but for many children, especially neurodivergent kids, it is full of sensory and social stressors:
Flashing lights
Loud music
Crowded shops
Changes in food, routines, and expectations
Extra social demands
When sensory input, emotional expectations, and unpredictable events collide, children can become overwhelmed quickly.
From an OT perspective, children need:
Predictability
Safety
Control
Emotional attunement
Breaks from sensory input
Your Holiday Sensory Survival Toolkit
1. Prioritise Safety and Predictability
Children feel calmer when they know what to expect.
Try:
A visual schedule for Christmas week
Showing photos of where you are going
Talking through sensory surprises (“There may be loud music or lots of people”)
Keeping core routines the same (bedtime, snacks, downtime)
Predictability supports regulation.
2. Create a Quiet Retreat Space
Whether you are at home or out:
Set up a corner with pillows, blankets, or a tent
Pack sensory tools (chewies, fidgets, weighted lap blanket)
Keep headphones in your bag
Let your child take breaks without guilt
Breaks are not avoidance — they are protective.
3. Adapt Traditions to Fit Your Child
Christmas doesn’t have to look one specific way.
Examples:
Swap flashing lights for steady lights
Use “silent fireworks” or bubbles
Open gifts slowly or over days
Limit forced affection when seeing people who are unfamiliar to your child
Celebrate earlier in the day if evenings are too hard
Your child is not missing out — you are adapting for family success.
4. Use Regulation-Supporting Snacks
Food can be sensory regulating:
Crunchy snacks (apple slices, pretzels)
Chewy snacks (muesli bars, dried fruit)
Cold fruit (berries, grapes)
Plan snacks intentionally during long, sensory-heavy days.
5. Prepare for Travel Stress
Bring comfort items
Use social stories for travel
Break up long drives
Create a travel activity bag
Lower expectations and allow flexibility
Make time for breaks and rest - be realistic
Your holiday does not need to be perfect to be valuable.
Final Takeaway
Holidays work best when children feel safe, seen, and supported. Small adjustments can turn stressful days into manageable, meaningful moments — for your child and your whole family.