Creating unique, disability-friendly traditions may feel like one more task to add to your holiday to do list. These ideas from guest blogger Kristin are anything but one more thing. In fact, her ideas will simplify some of what you’re already doing and give you permission to let other things go.

It can be easy to feel pressure from family, friends, or work to participate in typical holiday activities. But usual Christmas traditions and gatherings can be challenging for families with special needs. Taking a child with medical needs or developmental disabilities to loud, large, or crowded places can be difficult. Just leaving the house can cause more stress than enjoyment. If this sounds like your family, consider modifying usual activities and making new Christmas traditions and memories unique to your family’s needs.

Evaluate Holiday Plans

Start by reflecting on these seven questions as you create your family’s best holiday experience:

1. 1. What kinds of activities does your family enjoy together?
   2. What kinds of activities does your family not enjoy?
   3. What types of social situations or outings work well for your family?
   4. What types of social situations or outings do not work well for your family?
   5. What expectations or pressures from family and friends might you be trying to fulfill that might not be best for your family?
   6. What could you do differently this year that would decrease stress and create more enjoyment for your family?
   7. What’s one new special tradition you can start that will be unique for your family?

Modify Typical Holiday Activities

Here are some ways for modifying and creating unique, disability-friendly Christmas traditions to fit your family:

• • In place of going to a large family gathering, invite a few family members to your home or schedule a different time to go visit family when only a couple of people will be there.
  • In lieu of going to a Christmas show or large light display at a crowded center, pile into the car, turn on Christmas music, and drive around looking at Christmas lights or go to a drive through light show.
  • Instead of going out to eat, decorate your table and order carry out. Or have a fondue or pancake party.
  • If opening a lot of presents on Christmas morning causes stress for your child, open a few presents at a time throughout the day.
  • If getting pictures made at the mall with Santa scares or upsets your child, take pictures in a private setting in which your child feels more comfortable with a Christmas toy or decoration they like.
  • In place of going to a party, invite one family over for a fun night.
  • If making Christmas cookies or other traditional goodies usually ends in a meltdown, have your child help with only one step of the process.

It might feel like your child or family is missing out. But what you all are likely going to remember most is how the holiday made you feel. Creating unique, disability-friendly Christmas traditions may look different from those of other families, and that’s okay. What’s most important is that you enjoy the holiday together, however that might look for your family.

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Embedded Photos by Richard Stachmann on Unsplash