Celebrate Your Way: Autism-Friendly Holiday Tips for Families

At ABS Kids, we know that every family deserves a joyful holiday season filled with meaningful, inclusive experiences. These autism-friendly holiday tips are designed for families, caregivers, and autistic individuals who want to create cherished memories in ways that feel safe, comfortable, and full of joy. 

The holidays bring excitement: twinkling lights, favorite songs, and time together. For families with autistic children and teens, or for autistic adults themselves, the season can also bring extra challenges including new routines, sensory overload, and busy gatherings. With a compassionate approach and a few creative ideas, you can make this time of year a truly sensory-friendly celebration for everyone. 

Check out these inclusive holiday traditions and discover how to make this season bright in your own way! 

Create Your Own Sensory-Friendly Traditions 

There’s no one “right” way to celebrate. Focus on what brings comfort and happiness to your family. Try starting new autism-friendly holiday traditions, like a quiet evening drive to enjoy holiday lights, or a cozy movie night at home with your child’s favorite film and snacks. 

Sensory-friendly celebrations can include hands-on crafts with safe textures, gentle holiday music, or even time spent together drawing or reading. Remember, low-key activities like building a blanket fort or making festive art can be just as special as traditional parties, because instead of fitting them into a neruotypical setting where they can’t enjoy themselves, you’re making an experience tailored for them. 

Download ABS Kids Holiday Sweater Coloring Page 

Inclusive Gift-Giving for Every Family Member 

Holiday gift-giving doesn’t have to be stressful! Talk openly with your child about their favorite interests or sensory needs. Let them help choose gifts, whether that means shopping together online, picking out wrapping paper, or creating homemade cards. 

When picking presents, consider gifts that are both fun and sensory-friendly, like weighted blankets, soft clothing, or toys related to your child’s special interests. Including your child in the gift-giving process helps build confidence and joy, turning the tradition into a more inclusive holiday experience for everyone. 

Autism-Friendly Meal Ideas for Festive Gatherings 

Holiday meals should be welcoming for everyone at the table. Include your child’s favorite familiar foods alongside traditional holiday dishes, and invite them to help with the holiday meal prep if they want; stirring batter, rolling dough, or arranging snacks can make them feel involved. 

Let guests know that all foods are accepted and all eaters are welcome. Keeping mealtimes flexible and pressure-free helps everyone enjoy the experience and keeps the focus on togetherness, not food battles. 

Prepare with Social Stories and Holiday Plans 

Changes in routine can be challenging. Use social stories or visual schedules to explain upcoming gatherings or special events. Talk about what will happen, who will be there, and what your child can do if they need a break. 

Older children, teens, and autistic adults may appreciate knowing the schedule in advance, including how long events will last and how they can request a pause if things get overwhelming. These autism-friendly holiday tips help set everyone up for smoother, more predictable celebrations. 

Celebrate Every Small Moment 

Not all holiday magic comes from big events. Notice and celebrate the small victories, like a smile at breakfast, enjoying a favorite holiday activity, or a few minutes of calm during a busy day. Share these moments out loud: “I really enjoyed baking cookies with you,” or “Thank you for helping decorate!” 

If holiday plans need to change, be gentle with yourself and your family. Every small success is meaningful, and each new tradition you create helps build joyful memories year after year. 

Connect with Sensory-Friendly Events and Community 

Look for sensory-friendly celebrations in your town: quiet Santa visits, low-sensory hours at local attractions, or smaller gatherings with understanding friends. If large crowds feel overwhelming, online communities can be a wonderful resource. Sharing tips and support with other families or autistic adults can remind you that inclusive holiday traditions come in many forms. 

No holiday looks exactly the same from one family to the next, and that’s what makes your celebration unique and meaningful. By following these autism-friendly holiday tips and embracing sensory-friendly celebrations, you can create an inclusive holiday season full of kindness, laughter, and wonderful memories. ABS Kids is here to support you every step of the way, happy holidays from our family to yours! 

About ABS Kids: ABS Kids partners with children and families to deliver high-quality, compassionate applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy at home, in schools, and in our centers. From diagnosis to ongoing treatment, we support children with autism every step of the way. We proudly provide ABA therapy in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah. Join our team to combine purpose with professional growth.