Christmas Tips for Children with SEN/ALN

December can be exciting and overwhelming. Changes to routine, busy events and new sensations can be hard to process. With clear plans, low-arousal spaces and a few practical tools, the season can be calmer and more enjoyable.

Note: These are general tips from families and practitioners. Always adapt to your child and setting.

Parent hacks (images)

Downloadable version.

Quick wins

• Preview, don’t surprise: show what will stay the same and one thing that will be different (tree, lights, visitors).
• Micro-routines: short, predictable steps for mornings, outings and bedtime. Same words each day.
• Low-arousal corners: keep one undecorated, calmer space for “reset”.
• Targeted ear protection: use during specific noisy moments (switch off at other times).
• One change at a time: add decorations gradually; practise brief visits before big events.

Planning your December

• Calendar it: mark concerts, fairs, travel and quiet days. Use visual planners (TomTag) to keep plans clear.
• Choose your events: it’s okay to leave early or skip entirely. Plan a calm finish activity.
• Travel kit: pack a few known-regulation items in a wet & dry bag for quick in/out.

Home environment

• Lights: prefer steady, soft lighting over flashing. Try colour-changing egg or browse sensory lighting.
• Retreat space: set up a small den with the black pop-up tent for quick breaks.
• Hands-busy calm: keep a small basket of quiet fidgets accessible (see Fidget Kit 2).

Events, visitors & outings

• Sound strategy: agree when ear protection goes on (rehearsals, shops, fireworks) and off again.
• Seat & exit: choose an aisle or near-door seat; signal “ready to go” with a simple card.
• Snacks & breaks: plan short pauses and favourite snacks/drinks to help pacing.

Gift ideas that tend to work

Choose items that match age, sensory profile and space available.

• Quiet fidgets — hand-busy tools for travel, waiting and wind-down
• Fidget Kit 2 — ready-made, portable selection
• Chewing aids — acceptable oral input to protect sleeves and focus
• Weighted products — short, supervised calm time (e.g., weighted lap pads)
• Low-arousal lighting — steady, soothing visual interest (e.g., colour-changing egg)

Managing noise

• Hilka Ear Defenders (adult/teen) and Hilka Junior — for busy shops, concerts and hand dryers.
• Flare Calmer Kids Earplugs — reduce harsh sound peaks while keeping awareness.
• Use targeted periods (queues, crowds); store in the bag between uses.

Food & mealtimes

• Preview menus; keep a “safe” alternative available; don’t push novelty on the day.
• Seat away from kitchen noise and strong smells; keep plates and cutlery consistent where possible.
• Short sits with a visual timer; praise trying a single new smell or tiny taste, then “all done”.

Sleep & wind-down

• Keep the last hour of the day predictable: same order, lower lights, quiet play/reading.
• Use a visual for “evening steps” and finish on a positive cue.

Troubleshooting

• Refuses an event: shrink the plan (arrive, look, leave) and build up across attempts.
• Overwhelm at home: reduce lights/sounds; offer the den; switch to a preferred routine.
• Gift stress: open one at a time; take breaks; schedule “no-visit” slots across the week.

Helpful products (quick picks)

• TomTag visual planners
• Black Sensory Pop-Up Tent
• Colour-Changing Egg
• Quiet fidgets  •  Fidget Kit 2
• Chewing aids
• Weighted lap pads
• Hilka Ear Defenders  •  Hilka Junior  •  Calmer Kids Earplugs
• Care Designs Wet & Dry Bag

Funding & budgets

• Potential funding options for families
• Digital catalogues to compare options by category

Need advice?

Email enquiries@fledglings.org.uk with age, main December pinch-points (events, noise, sleep) and what helps so far. We’ll suggest options that fit your budget. We accept Purchase Orders. UK delivery from £4.99.

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Related

• Navigating Auditory Sensory Needs
• Sleep: Practical Advice
• Help & Support (overview)

Last reviewed: 14 September 2025