Adapting Holidays and Celebrations to Be Inclusive for All Children

Holidays and celebrations are joyful occasions, but they can also present challenges for children with disabilities. Loud noises, crowded spaces, and unfamiliar routines may cause stress or anxiety. Adapting events to be more inclusive ensures that every child, regardless of ability, can participate and enjoy the festivities. With a little planning, you can create celebrations that are fun, engaging, and accessible for everyone.

Start by considering your child’s sensory needs. If loud sounds, bright lights, or crowded spaces are overwhelming, create a designated quiet area where your child can take breaks as needed. A quiet corner with soft cushions, noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or a weighted blanket can offer a much-needed escape during busy moments.

Visual schedules or social stories can help your child understand what to expect during the event. Walk them through the sequence of activities in advance, such as when guests will arrive, when food will be served, and when presents will be opened. This predictability can help reduce anxiety and make the day more enjoyable.

Incorporate inclusive activities that accommodate a variety of abilities. Sensory-friendly crafts—such as decorating paper ornaments, playing with kinetic sand, or making simple beaded jewellery—can engage all children. Opt for quiet games that promote cooperation rather than competition, such as scavenger hunts with visual clues or musical games with soft, calming music.

When serving food, be mindful of dietary restrictions or sensory sensitivities. Offer a range of options, including plain or familiar foods, to ensure all children feel comfortable. If your child has difficulty with certain textures or flavours, bring along safe, preferred snacks to make mealtimes easier.

Gift-giving can also be adapted to ensure every child feels included. Choose presents or party favours that cater to different abilities and sensory preferences. Avoid toys with flashing lights or loud noises if these could cause distress, and instead consider sensory-friendly items like soft plush toys, fidget tools, or textured books.

If you plan on decorating, keep sensory needs in mind. Some children may be sensitive to strong smells from candles or overwhelming visual stimuli like blinking lights. Opt for decorations with soft, natural elements—such as paper lanterns, fairy lights, or fabric banners—that create a festive but calming atmosphere.

For large events, it can also help to give children advance notice about how many people will be attending and what kinds of activities will take place. If it’s a birthday party, allow your child to help select the games or themes to give them a sense of control and ownership over the celebration.

Adapting holidays and celebrations doesn’t mean simplifying them—it’s about being thoughtful and intentional. With a little creativity and planning, you can make these events welcoming and enjoyable for all children, ensuring everyone can participate fully and create happy memories together.