Tell us what you think of Families in Partnership
We would be grateful to learn from what you think of the Families in Partnership newsletter – this minute-long survey will help us improve the newsletter for the community 👉
Helping your child navigate the sensory pressures of Christmas
Published
Christmas can be magical, but for children with additional needs, it often comes with a whirlwind of sensory challenges. Bright lights, loud music, bustling crowds, and changes to routine can feel overwhelming. Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum have prepared some hints and tips to help get you and your loved ones through what can sometimes be a tricky period.
It is perfectly okay to do what works for you. We may want to be part of the festivities, and it can be tricky to balance that with the needs of our child or young person. If your child or young person is unlikely to enjoy or benefit from an outing or event it is OK to say no and do something more low-key at home or another time.
1. Keep routines where you can
While Christmas often brings many changes, trying to keep core routines like consistent mealtimes and bedtime can add a familiar rhythm and be a comforting anchor amid the festive chaos.
2. Create a calming space
Using calming techniques that your young person responds to can help manage some of the sensory overload like noise-cancelling headphones, a favourite item, or sensory toys. Having a quiet space in the home, taking favoured items out and about and taking regular breaks can contribute to helping your young person to regulate before things get too much.
3. Prepare for surprises
Not everything can be prepared for but taking the time to explain what’s coming up in a way that your child can relate to can help to reduce some of the anxiety around the unknown.
4. Choose decorations wisely
Twinkling lights and musical ornaments might look lovely, but they can be a sensory overload. Involve your child in choosing decorations. Maybe they prefer soft lights or fewer sparkly items.
Their input can make the environment feel safer and more familiar. You might consider building up the decorations overtime and involving the children as much as they’re able. For many years we just had a tree, with nothing underneath, and a play pen around it! Now they’re older we still have the same tree, changing it has proved impossible, and we still have the same decorations.
5. Manage noise and crowds
Check out SEND-friendly options. The local You're Welcome Gloucestershire website will have lots of options for SEND-friendly things to do and you can ask other families in groups like Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum Discussion Group on Facebook. Christmas markets, parties, and even family gatherings can be loud and busy. If attending, plan short visits and have an exit strategy. Sometimes, saying “no” to an event is the kindest choice for your child or young person (and for you!).
6. Focus on what matters
It’s easy to feel pressure to create a “perfect” Christmas, but perfection isn’t the goal, peace is. Celebrate in ways that suit your child’s needs, even if that means skipping traditions or doing things differently.
When things don’t go to plan try not to panic. When my children were smaller and we made use of visual timetables I used a ‘whoops’ visual which helped us talk about unexpected changes.
And remember: Do what feels right for your family. The needs of every child and young person are different, and there’s no single way to celebrate. Give yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moments that matter most.
Useful links:
How to help ease overstimulation during the Winter holidays - BBC Tiny Happy People
You're Welcome Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum
Support for Families with SEND - Gloucestershire's Local Offer for Parent Carers