Autism-Friendly Christmas: The Ultimate Guide

The holiday can be a very magical time for a person with autism spectrum disorder. It’s often riddled with hidden hurdles.

As an autistic person, I didn’t have too many issues with Christmas as a child. My parents always thoroughly prepared me for the occasion and challenges that many people on the spectrum face.

However, for some autistic people, such sensory issues might make Christmas overwhelming rather than joyous.

As parents of an autistic child, you can make thoughtful adjustments to family traditions to create a festive season everyone can enjoy. Choosing sensory-friendly decorations, keeping routines consistent, and planning calming activities can make a big difference. These small changes help ensure your Christmas celebration feels comforting and inclusive for all.

Why Christmas can be challenging for autistic individuals

The typical Christmas scenario includes bright lights, new sounds, buzzing events, and even strong smells because of seasonal foods and decorations. These can all serve as a trigger for sensory overload.

For some autistic people, this may make them feel overwhelmed and distressed, sometimes leading to meltdowns. The first step? Understand your child’s specific sensory challenges to create a thoroughly inclusive holiday.

Creating a sensory-friendly Christmas environment

A sensory-friendly environment reduces the potential for overload and thereby can create an enjoyable environment during this festive period of Christmas.

Here are some tips for adapting your holiday decor for better acceptance.

Use soft lighting

Use soft, non-flashing lights on the tree and around the house. Most autistic individuals have sensitivity to bright or flickering lights. Because of that, static displays or dimmable string lights can make the area more comfortable.

Avoid potent odors

Refrain from using scented candles or intensely fragrant decorations. For example, pine and cinnamon odors are too overwhelming. Generally speaking, natural, unscented items are best when possible.

Certain smells definitely triggered me as a child, but I don’t remember Christmas scents being among them. I’ve always had a soft spot for anything fruity or sweet.

Use minimalist decor

A minimalist setting involves a space devoid of clutter that does not visually stimulate one with too many colors. The most calming environments generally involve uncluttered settings in softened colors.

When I was younger, I noticed my parents used simple Christmas decorations. I realize now that it was not just that I was a little kid; they didn’t want overly complex ones to overstimulate me.

Autism-friendly Christmas tree ideas

Unfortunately, a traditional Christmas tree can pose numerous sensory challenges for some. Strong smells and flashing lights are prime examples.

Here are some ways to make your Christmas tree more autism-friendly:

• Static, soft lights: Use warm, static lights instead to create a soft, calming ambiance.
• Scent-free Christmas decorations: Replace scented ornaments or pinecones with unscented decorations made from fabric or ceramics that offer a more neutral sensory experience.
• Alternative trees: Smaller tabletop trees or felt trees with Velcro ornaments that can be manipulated with the hands are great alternatives. These will provide a less visually overwhelming option while keeping the festive feel.

Maintaining routines during the holidays

For many individuals on the autism spectrum, routine and predictability are associated with comfort and security, which might be very much needed during holiday times.

Shocking changes in activities can be disconcerting, so balancing holiday events with daily routines might ease the season more.

You should try to add holiday elements to the regular routine, balancing new holiday activities with your child’s regular favorites without entirely changing the schedule.

For example, if reading before bedtime is important for your child, make space for that routine on busy days, keeping it consistent but adding a brief, quiet holiday story. This maintains a sense of comfort and predictability.

Autism-friendly Christmas activities

Holiday activities don’t have to be any less fun, inclusive, or creative without causing much sensory stress. When you pick autism-friendly Christmas activities and family holiday traditions, you can ensure this season is fun for the entire family.

Creating sensory-friendly ornaments can be a calming, hands-on holiday activity. Make sure you use soft materials like felt, clay, or fabric.

Watching holiday movies in a quiet, cozy setting with minimal distractions can also create a festive atmosphere without overwhelming the senses. For example, as a child, I often enjoyed holiday movies with dim lighting and lower volume, which made the experience soothing and pleasant.

Connecting with family and friends virtually can provide valuable social time without the sensory demands of in-person gatherings, offering a relaxed way to stay connected.

Gift ideas for autistic children

Choosing a Christmas gift for an autistic child is a surefire way to show that you understand their interests and sensory needs.

Here are some ideas for Christmas gifts for autistic children that cater to a wide range of preferences:

• Sensory toys: Fidget spinners, squishy toys, and different types of balls can meet their sensory needs and even have soothing effects.
• Interest-based gifts: Many autistic children have highly concentrated interests in a specific topic, like trains, animals, or art. Gifts that somehow match those interests will often be more personal.
• Weighted blanket: Weighted blankets are generally soothing to lie under and come in many designs. They offer sensory comfort, which can help alleviate anxiety. Be sure to check the weight cautions for smaller children.

You should always avoid loud noise-making and bright, blinking gifts unless you know they’ll go over well. Personalized gifts, on the other hand, can show the child how much you have thought about and considered them.

Autism-friendly Christmas events

Holiday gatherings can be more enjoyable and less stressful when you choose autism-friendly events, visit during quieter hours, and prepare for potential sensory challenges.

Many holiday venues now offer sensory-friendly hours or less busy times, such as quiet visits to see Santa or explore holiday markets. Bringing sensory tools, like headphones, can also help manage sensory sensitivities during outings.

Having an exit strategy, such as identifying quiet spaces or planning to leave early if needed, provides reassurance and a sense of safety if the event becomes overwhelming.

Adapting holiday meals for sensory sensitivities

Many autistic people have sensory sensitivities that could affect their experience of food. Here are a few ideas that might help make Christmas dinner enjoyable for all.

Texture-friendly options

Offer a variety of textures that will fit different sensory needs. Encourage the child to try new foods if they are willing. Plain mashed potatoes, soft bread, and simple fruit slices can be more approachable to eat for those sensitive to some textures in food.

For instance, I don’t think I fully appreciated Christmas dinner foods such as turkey or stuffing until I was around 12.

Less cluttered table setting

An uncluttered table with no strong smells and less ornate settings can contribute to a less stressful dining experience.

Balance traditional holiday dishes your family members like with dishes your autistic child regularly enjoys so they know they have something comforting they can eat. For example, if your child likes a specific brand of mac and cheese, introduce them to a Christmas-style one.

Embracing an inclusive holiday season

An autism-friendly Christmas does not need to sacrifice any of the joy or festivity that comes with it. Instead, it involves making the season comfortable and accessible for the whole family.

Put thoughtful accommodations to decorations, routine, activity, and meals all together, and you’ll go a long way in being inclusive to autistic people.

This year, you should all celebrate the holiday spirit by allowing an environment where everyone gets to fully enjoy the warmth and magic of Christmas.

Have a very merry Christmas!

FAQs

Q: What do you give an autistic child for Christmas?

A: Sensory toys or gifts related to the specific interest that the child has, such as trains, animals, or even art supplies, would be a great choice for an autism-friendly Christmas present. 

Q: How do you explain Christmas to an autistic child?

A: You should explain Christmas traditions using simple language and visual aids. Therefore, focus on family activities and those they may be more familiar with and enjoy.

Q: Do autistic children get excited for Christmas?

A: Many autistic children can enjoy Christmas, especially once they participate in more routines and soothing events that comfort the senses. The excitement will look different depending on kids’ preferences and sensory sensitivities.

Q: How do you have an autism-friendly Christmas?

A: You should make the season comfortable by creating a sensory-friendly environment: soft lights, minimal scents, and quiet activities. In addition, you should keep a familiar routine and include familiar foods and activities.

Q: What kind of toys do autistic individuals like?

A: Many autistic individuals may enjoy sensory toys and interest-based items. Therefore, these options should be your top priority.

References

Autism Parenting Magazine. (2023, December 13). Autism and Christmas Ornaments: What You Must Know. Autism Parenting Magazine. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-christmas-ornaments/ 

Autism Parenting Magazine. (2024, July 18). Toys and Gifts for Autistic Child. Autism Parenting Magazine. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/gifts-for-kids-with-autism/ 

Autism Parenting Magazine. (2024, August 15). Why Autistic Children Need Family Holiday Traditions. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-need-family-holiday-traditions/

Chistol LT, Bandini LG, Must A, Phillips S, Cermak SA, Curtin C. Sensory Sensitivity and Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2018 Feb;48(2):583-591. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3340-9. PMID: 29116421; PMCID: PMC6215327.

Goodwin J, Rob P, Freeston M, Garland D, Grahame V, Kernohan A, Labus M, Osborne M, Parr JR, Wright C, Rodgers J. Caregiver perspectives on the impact of uncertainty on the everyday lives of autistic children and their families. Autism. 2022 May;26(4):827-838. doi: 10.1177/13623613211033757. Epub 2021 Jul 22. PMID: 34291688; PMCID: PMC9014769. 

Reynolds, K. E. (2012). Party Planning for Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum: How to Avoid Meltdowns and Have Fun!. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=3WsSBQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA2&dq=autism+holiday+celebrations&ots=6p0t4Exvci&sig=cob8sqKI9BlA8-UksiNSmlafIOo 

Rodriguez, M. How to Make the Holidays Less Stressful. https://nesca-newton.com/tag/depression/