1. Prepare Your Child
Talk to your child about what they can expect from a holiday gathering or event. Discuss the times and dates of holiday activities and put them on a calendar in writing or using pictures. Let them know who will be attending and what they should do if they are feeling overwhelmed. It may be helpful to look at photos from previous holidays and even practice opening gifts, taking turns and passing gifts to others. Try to keep routines such as mealtimes and bedtimes as similar as possible during the busy holiday season.
2. Avoid Crowds
Crowds can be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. Children who are overwhelmed are much more likely to melt down, misbehave, or simply freeze up. Avoiding crowds is a simple solution when possible. Instead of parades and big town-wide Christmas light events, consider taking a drive to see large-scale drive-through light displays. You can enjoy the wonders of the beautiful lights without the cold, noise, or crowds! Here are some local favorites:
- Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park, November 29-December 25
- Santa’s Rock n’ Lights Drive-Thru Light Show in Geneva, November 22-December 31
- Light of Christmas at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, November 21-January 5
- Willow Hill Lights in Northbrook, November 22-January 5
3. Make Adjustments
Downsize holiday experiences to reduce crowds, noise and all the “extras.” Instead of heading to the mall to see Santa, look for a “sensory-friendly Santa” visit. Here are a few local sensory friendly events:
- The Holiday Express Special Needs Night at Blackberry Farm in Aurora, December 6, 5:00-8:00PM
- Visit Caring Santa at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, December 1 and December 8, 5:00-8:00PM
- Illumination at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle Sensory Evening, December 3, 4:30-9:30PM
- Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Sensory Friendly Night, December 4
- Visit Sensory Santa at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, December 8, 9:00-10:30AM
- Visit Santa at his Naperville Workshop on Special Needs Night, December 4 and 5, 5:00-8:00PM
4. Prioritize Your Child’s Interests
While you cannot cater to their every need, you can show your child that their family supports their interests by picking some activities they love to include in your celebrations. That might involve spending a night watching a holiday version of their favorite show, buying wrapping paper that features their special interest, or creating a particularly sensory-friendly experience in your house.
5. Be Gentle with Yourself and Your Child
It’s normal to feel frustrated when your child doesn’t seem to “get” the holidays or appreciate all you do to make the season special. It can be equally hard to endure the stares and comments of well-meaning family and friends who just don’t understand why your child isn’t appropriately happy and engaged. Get support when you need it. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help from friends or family so that you can have the experiences you need to recharge and celebrate the holidays your way.
6. Discuss Needs Ahead of Time
If your holiday plans include visits to others’ homes, contact your host ahead of time to help forecast your plans. For example, if you may need to limit the extent of your visit or make a hasty exit, letting your host know of this possibility can eliminate hurt feelings and questions if and when you cut your visit short. Bring screens or other entertainment to calm your child so you can have adult downtime yourself. Don’t forget any favorite snacks or meals to avoid inconveniencing your host.
7. Hosting Someone with Special Needs
Show you care by reaching out to your guest or his or her family to ask how you can help make their visit fun and comfortable. Ask about dietary needs, comfort with your pets, making a quiet room available for downtime or simply what a parent might need. While this may be a slight inconvenience for you to accommodate these requests, it means the world to a family to know you are thinking about their child. You are showing empathy and kindness that will make their holiday celebration brighter!
