Supporting Sensory-Sensitive Kids During the Holidays

Charlie O.
Nov 3
3 min read

How to Prep, Support, and Empower Your Family This Season

The holidays are supposed to be magical, but for families of sensory-sensitive or neurodivergent children, this time of year can bring more meltdowns than mistletoe.

Unfamiliar foods. Loud family gatherings. Decorations that sparkle, flash, and sing. Routines turned upside down. Even joyful events can be too much.

At TLC Behavioral Consulting, we understand that holiday overwhelm is real. That’s why we created our free Holiday Survival Toolkit. We’re walking you through how to use it to create a season that feels safe, supported, and special for your whole family.

Why the Holidays Can Be Extra Hard for Sensory-Sensitive Kids

Many neurodivergent children rely on predictability and sensory regulation to feel safe and successful throughout the day. But during the holidays:

Routines are interrupted
Social expectations increase
Sensory input is everywhere
Emotional energy runs high

These changes can lead to dysregulation, anxiety, shutdowns, or meltdowns, especially if your child doesn’t know what to expect or how to cope.

Tips for a Calmer, More Joyful Holiday Season

1. Prepare Ahead—Together

Involve your child in planning what’s coming. Use visual schedules to walk through:

What time you’re leaving
Who you’ll see
What you’ll eat
When you’ll come home

Pro Tip: Add photos of family members, homes, or foods to help them feel familiar.

2. Practice New Scenarios at Home

Use social stories or role play to prepare for:

Giving or receiving gifts
Eating with others
Saying hello/goodbye

Let your child try on holiday clothes, unwrap empty boxes, or explore decorations before the big day.

3. Create a Calm-Down Plan

Designate a quiet space at events where your child can go to regulate. Bring a sensory kit with:

Noise-canceling headphones
Fidget toys
Weighted lap pad
Visual calming cards from the Toolkit

Have a hand signal or word your child can use if they need a break.

4. Advocate and Adjust Expectations

Let family and hosts know in advance:

Your child may skip hugs or not say thank you
You’ll be keeping visits short
You may bring your own food, seat, or routine

It’s okay to leave early or skip altogether. Protecting your child’s peace is more important than pleasing everyone.

5. Schedule Recovery Time

After big events, allow time for:

Rest and re-regulation
Quiet activities
Reconnecting with familiar routines

Use the Parent Recovery Checklist in the Toolkit to help plan for the emotional “after” of the holidays.

You’re Not Alone, And You’re Doing Great

Whether you're celebrating with extended family or staying in your PJs with cocoa and a movie, your holiday is valid. There’s no one right way to celebrate, but there is a right way for your child.

You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to modify traditions. You’re allowed to protect your child’s comfort and dignity even when others don’t understand.

And when you need tools, encouragement, or expert support, TLC Behavioral Consulting is here for you.

What’s Inside the Holiday Survival Toolkit?

We designed this free resource to help you prepare, support, and recover with practical tools made for real families like yours.

Visual Schedules for holiday events, family gatherings, or travel days
Calming Strategy Cards your child can use to self-regulate or ask for help
Holiday Mealtime Tips to support picky eaters or sensory aversions
Social Story Templates for gift-giving, visiting relatives, or new traditions
Parent Checklists to help you prep in advance and support post-event recovery