Top 10 Sensory Healthy Christmas Tips

🎄 1. Keep Routines Anchored

Christmas brings excitement and change — but predictable mealtimes, sleep, and sensory routines help the body feel safe. Keep the familiar “core rhythm” where you can.

🎁 2. Prepare, Don’t Surprise

Talk through what’s coming: who’s visiting, what you’ll eat, when presents happen. Use photos, calendars, or visual schedules to build calm anticipation instead of anxiety.

🕯️ 3. Choose the Right Lights

Twinkling or flashing lights can be dazzling for sensitive eyes. Opt for static or warm-tone lighting instead, and create one quiet, dimly lit “cosy zone” for breaks.

🍪 4. Mind the Smells

Christmas scents are strong — from candles to cooking. Keep one scent per space if possible, and give people permission to step away if it’s too much.

🧦 5. Dress for Comfort

Scratchy jumpers, tights, or costume fabrics can quickly overwhelm. Encourage comfy, breathable layers that feel good on the skin (sparkle optional!).

🔔 6. Manage the Noise

Music, chatter, and wrapping paper rustling can be a sensory storm. Try calm background playlists, noise-reducing headphones, or set up a “quiet corner” - with an indoor swing 😉

🌟 7. Pace the Presents

Unwrapping everything at once can cause overload. Open gifts slowly, with time to explore and appreciate each one before moving on. Opening one present each week leading up to Christmas can help reduce the overwhelm too.

❄️ 8. Build in Movement Breaks

Sleigh-ride walks, trampoline jumps, or snow-angel stretches all give regulating proprioceptive and vestibular input that helps balance big emotions and energy.

🍫 9. Keep Food Familiar

Festive foods can be challenging for selective eaters. Offer “safe foods” alongside new ones so everyone feels included and can eat comfortably.

❤️ 10. Create a Sensory Safe Space

Designate one calm area — soft lighting, weighted blanket, soothing sounds, swings, proprioceptive toys, familiar textures — where anyone can go to reset and regroup.