Festive Fun for Everyone: Holiday Tips and Ideas for Special Needs Adults

The holidays are meant to be joyful, but for families and caregivers of adults with special needs, they can also feel a little overwhelming. Between sensory-heavy traditions, packed schedules, and accessibility concerns, it isn’t always easy to make celebrations truly inclusive. 

The good news is that with a little creativity and planning, you can create festive moments through holiday activities that bring everyone together — whether it’s through hands-on crafts, sensory-friendly games, or simply sharing cherished traditions in new, adaptable ways.

Create a Comfortable, Adaptable Setting

• Sensory-friendly adjustments: Bright lights, loud music, and strong scents may be overwhelming. Use softer lighting, reduce volume, and avoid heavily scented candles or sprays. Designate a quiet space where someone can take a break when needed.

  
  

• Physical accessibility: Keep paths clear, ensure that doorways and seating work for mobility aids, and use ramps or handrails if possible. Arrange furniture so everyone can participate without discomfort.

Adapt and Select Activities to Match Abilities and Interests

• Crafts and DIY décor: DIY projects and crafts for special needs adults can be very inclusive, especially when the tools and materials match each person’s skill level. Here are some ideas: making ornaments, holiday cards, wreaths, magnetic trees, festive sensory bottles, pinecone decorations, or simple paintings or clay creations.

  
  

• Cooking or baking: Try simple treats or no-bake recipes that minimize safety risks but still deliver involvement and enjoyment. Consider decorating cookies with large icing tips or pre-baked shapes.

  
  

• Games and social interaction: Trivia, charades, holiday bingo, guessing smells (using items like essential oils), movie marathons, or going to see holiday lights together are all straightforward options for enjoying the season. The key is to offer choices and allow different modes of participation in activities for adults with special needs (watching, helping, leading, etc).

Incorporate Meaningful Traditions and Rituals

• Memory sharing or story collages: Use old photographs or mementos to build a collage or album. Let each person share a favorite holiday memory. This fosters connection and gives a voice to everyone.

  
  

• Culinary heritage and food exchange: Invite participants to contribute dishes or recipes from their background. Modifying recipes for dietary restrictions or physical ability makes it possible for more people to be involved.

Factor in Planning, Communicating, and Flexibility

• Communicate in advance: Provide clear schedules, start and end times, and indicate what to expect in terms of food, noise, and the length of group time. Let people know what’s optional vs. required.

  
  

• Go with the flow: Be ready to pivot if energy levels change or sensory overload happens. Have alternatives, such as some low-energy and high-energy activities, and allow people to opt in or out. Focus on the quality of the time spent, not on doing everything on a list.

Consider Giving Back to and Connecting With Your Community

• Acts of kindness: Make holiday cards for a local shelter, or create small gifts for neighbors. These can be adjusted to ability and interest.

  
  

• Inclusive performances or events: Think caroling (perhaps in smaller groups), attending or streaming accessible concerts or shows, or attending community events that welcome people with disabilities. Choose events and locations that have accommodations like accessible seating, sign-language interpreters, or captioning.

  
  

Make the Holiday Season More Joyful With Progressive Lifestyles

Progressive Lifestyles, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in Waterford, Michigan, and we have been in operation since 1983. Our mission is to provide supportive and caring residential opportunities for individuals with IDDs throughout Oakland County.

We support small, licensed adult foster care homes and private residences with community living supports, home help services, and private-duty nurses.

A primary focus of our organization is to interact with the individuals we support through the “Culture of Gentleness” model. We seek to create a positive environment to help them feel safe and valued by maximizing praise, limiting demands, maintaining consistent structure, and reducing stress during transitions. Contact us to learn more, and consider donating today!