It can be difficult celebrating the holidays typically with an autistic person. The holidays are high stress and sensory. Here are my Top 10 suggestions for celebrating the holidays serenely.

• Wrap gifts in bags with no tissue paper to avoid the sound and feel of wrapping/tissue paper
• Avoid blinking lights
• Use everyday tableware, so eating is not stressful
• Give practical and age-appropriate gifts
• Don’t expect large gift reactions
• Really different sounds may overwhelm
• Let them leave and return to the festivities as needed
• Not all of the excitement is helpful, turn things down a bit
• Give something that has good sensory feedback
• Give the best gifts first

Also check out the blog I wrote a couple of years ago with gift ideas. Have a Happy Holiday!