Tips for Creating an Inclusive Holiday Gathering for All
Last year at this time, we shared a post on how to create an inclusive holiday given the impact of the pandemic on our social gatherings at the time. We saw this as an opportunity to seize the moment and to focus on inclusion in small family celebrations and connecting more broadly through technology, which was the norm for our first pandemic holiday season. Today, the pandemic continues to challenge our way of life and will probably do so for the foreseeable future. That being said, some things have eased since this time last year. Vaccines are widely available, Covid numbers are starting to trend down, and people are beginning to gather again. So what does that mean for the holidays this year? Your family may be gathering in bigger numbers. You may be getting together with friends. Don’t lose your focus on inclusion! Continue to embrace it and to focus on creating inclusive traditions that will endure for years--hopefully generations--to come. Here's an updated look at the concepts we introduced last year, tailored for this 2021 holiday season.
First, take the time to be more intentional about including your loved ones with disabilities in the many aspects of the holidays and gatherings. There are no holiday activities that can’t be made accessible to all! Let’s look at some ways to make your holidays and gatherings truly inclusive.
Expectation Setting
Our gatherings may be larger this year, and for some these may be new experiences. For others, larger gatherings require preparation so the gathering can be an enjoyable experience. Social stories can be used to help in the preparation for the many aspects of holiday celebrations. Some great resources to get you started can be found at And Next Comes L, Fusion Autism Center, and the HIE Help Center.
Decorating
As you rearrange furniture, bring in new items that may alter the pathways through your home, and add items to tabletops, windows, and doors, be sure to include the person with disabilities in the process.
Create a choice board (use pictures or actual items) and allow a person with communication and/or motor challenges to direct your decorating (Boardmaker decorate the tree example, TPT free boards for Hanukkah and Christmas).
Allow an individual with a vision impairment to assist in moving furniture, then practice new travel routes with them so they can maintain their independence.
Wrapping Presents
If a person has a cortical visual impairment, wrap their gifts using mylar in their target color. This will allow them to find their own presents.
For an individual with motor challenges who struggles to open gifts, try using the rip-cord technique to promote more independence. See the directions here. Tie a larger item to the end of the rip-cord for someone who struggles to hold and pull on the cord.
Baking
Following recipes can be challenging for individuals with limited reading skills. Providing additional access points can allow fuller participation in what is often viewed as a staple of holiday celebrations.
Using picture based recipes can allow an individual with disabilities to participate in baking special holiday recipes. You can make your own picture recipes, taking pictures as you bake and printing them with simple directions.
Ready-made recipes can be found on sites such as Able2Learn, Accessible Chef, or Making Learning Fun.
If the individual is more limited physically, use communication boards to allow them to direct the activity (Decorating cookies communication board for example). Or use switch-adapted cooking appliances.
Music
Music is often a huge part of celebrations, but can be challenging for those who are not able to access auditorily or who have sensory processing disabilities. Incorporating music may require some inclusive planning to ensure broad access.
For individuals who benefit from visual support, consider playing music videos which may be paired with lyrics (for example - Christmas Song playlist, Hanukkah Song playlist, Kwanzaa Songs playlist).
For those with communication or hearing impairments who communicate via sign language, consider learning some holiday songs or phrases in sign language - involve the entire family in celebrating through sign. Sites such as ASLBible, Youtube playlists, thedailysmile (Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah song), holiday phrases, and Signing Savvy’s Kwanzaa word list can get you started.
For individuals who like to make music but may not be able to sing along, provide instruments that allow them to drum, chime, or tap along.
Remember to moderate volume, provide earphones, or take other similar precautions for party goers susceptible to overstimulation.
Don’t forget about technology!
Just because we can gather again, doesn’t mean that’s what’s best for everyone. For folx with compromised immune systems, chronic pain, social anxiety, or other disabilities that make it hard or unpleasant to attend large events, participating remotely from afar is the new norm! Schedule Zooms, group-watch holiday movies on Netflix, or create holiday photo streams. Thanks to technology, there are a million ways to connect, even from remote locations. If someone can’t attend a holiday gathering in person, work with them to devise a plan for their virtual inclusion.
Take time this holiday season to start new or continue inclusive traditions while making memories to cherish. This pandemic will end, but hopefully the new, all-inclusive celebrations you create will continue!! We’d love to hear how you make your celebration more inclusive. Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.