12/15/2025
🎄Holiday Decorations Without Overstimulation
The twinkling lights, glittering ornaments, and festive music are everywhere this time of year but for children with autism, the sensory overload can turn holiday decorating into a stressful experience.
Here’s how to make decorating feel safe, calm, and fun:
✅ Preview before placing:
Show your child the decorations first before putting them up. Let them touch, listen, and explore in a quiet space. Pictures or short videos can help too.
✅ Let them choose “safe zones”:
Give your child the power to pick areas where decorations won’t go. Bedrooms, quiet corners, or personal spaces should stay just as they like them.
✅ Limit sensory triggers:
Skip flashing lights or musical displays unless your child enjoys them. Stick to soft, warm lighting and familiar items when possible.
✅ Decorate gradually:
Instead of doing it all in one day, try spreading decorating out over a few days. This gives more time to adjust and avoids sudden change.
Creating a holiday space that feels predictable and comforting goes a long way. A few thoughtful steps can make decorating part of the joy, not the overwhelm.
💛 Every family deserves a season that works for them.
