2025 Sensory-Friendly Holiday Support Kit

2025 Sensory-Friendly Holiday Support Kit: 30 Ways to Make Gatherings Easier

November 5, 2025

Holidays can be joyful—and a lot. Instead of canceling plans, customize them. This gentle, three-phase plan helps kids on the autism spectrum (and their families) enjoy traditions with more comfort and control..

| Phase 1: Night-Before “Calm Plan”

Pick 3 Predictables. Choose three things tomorrow will include (e.g., “Grandma’s house, dinner, one gift”). Predictability reduces uncertainty.
First–Then Path. “First dinner, then 10 minutes quiet time.” Write it down or add it to your phone notes.
Agree on a Pause Signal. Thumbs-down, hand squeeze, or a small card = “I need a break.”
Pack the Comfort Trio. Headphones/earplugs, a familiar fidget/chewy, and a preferred snack.
Pre-plan a Micro-Exit. Decide where you’ll step away (car, porch, quiet room) for 5–10 minutes if things feel too big.

| Phase 2: First 10 Minutes on Arrival

Find the Calm Zone. Identify a quiet, low-stimulation spot right away.
Quick Check-In. “Green, yellow, or red?” to gauge energy/sensory load.
Start With One Success. A short, preferred task (placing napkins, saying hi to a pet) builds momentum.

| Phase 3: The 3 “P”s During the Event

Pace. Schedule brief pit-stops before overload (e.g., every 30 minutes, 3 minutes in the Calm Zone).
Protect. If sound or visuals ramp up, use headphones and shift seating to reduce input.
Pivot. Keep the experience, change the setting—“Let’s do dessert in the quiet room.”

| 30 Ways to Make Gatherings Easier

Environment

1. Seat near an exit or wall to reduce traffic behind you

2. Bring a familiar plate/utensil for predictable textures

3. Use softer lighting (lamps over bright overheads)

4. Keep centerpieces off the dining table to lower visual input

5. Label the Calm Zone with a simple sign or emoji

6. Offer a weighted lap pad or cozy blanket in the Calm Zone

Sound

7. Create a “music-off during greetings” window

8. Add a rug/blanket in the Calm Zone to dampen noise

9. Normalize headphones as everyday tools, not last resorts

10. Use a simple hand signal to request voices-down for a minute

11. Seat away from speakers or kitchen clatter

12. Keep a white-noise app available for brief resets

Food

13. Preview plates before serving (“Here’s what’s coming”)

14. Save new foods for calm moments at home

15. Alternate preferred → new → preferred bites

16. Offer temperature choices (warm vs. room temp)

17. Provide a no-pressure “pass” option without comment

18. Keep a familiar backup snack in reach

Social

19. Offer greeting choices: “Hi,” wave, or fist bump

20. Give a role (gift helper, timer captain, pet buddy)

21. Script two easy small-talk lines in advance

22. Teach a graceful exit line: “I’m taking a quick break—be right back.”

23. Break big groups into short 1:1 or 1:2 chats

24. Keep photo-taking optional and brief

Time & Transitions

25. Use a visual timer for transitions

26. Open gifts in smaller batches

27. Pre-announce the wrap-up: “Two more songs, then goodbyes.”

28. Add a five-minute “landing” break before leaving

29. Debrief in the car: one “went well,” one “next time”

30. Keep the evening after events screen-light and routine-heavy

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, April). ADDM Community Report SY 2022 [PDF]. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/media/pdfs/2025/04/ADDM-Community-Report-SY2022.pdf
Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). (n.d.). Visual Supports Brief Packet. AFIRM: Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/resource/visual-supports-brief-packet/
Autism Society. (2024, December). Creating an autism-friendly holiday: Strategies for a joyful season. https://autismsociety.org/creating-an-autism-friendly-holiday-strategies-for-a-joyful-season/
Raising Children Network. (2024, June 5). Social stories and autism. https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-guide/social-stories/

Reviewed by:

Nicole Dutton,
BCBA, VP Clinical Psychology

Nicole Dutton brings strategic leadership and a deep commitment to clinical excellence in her role as Vice President of Clinical Operations. With extensive experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams, Nicole ensures that clinical services are delivered with the highest standards of care, operational efficiency, and compassion. She leads initiatives to enhance client outcomes, streamline workflows, and support clinical staff across all service areas.