The holiday season brings excitement, tradition, togetherness—and sometimes a little chaos. For many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including those with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities, this time of year can be full of joy but also full of change: new routines, different foods, busy environments, louder sounds, emotional energy, and social expectations.
For supporters, whether you’re a direct support professional, family member, case manager, or residential team member, this season can also be a lot. You’re juggling schedules, managing transitions, creating meaning, and holding space for others’ emotions, all while trying to make the holidays special. The support of the community and society is especially important during the holidays to foster inclusion and belonging for people with I/DD.
With some thoughtful planning and gentle pacing, the holidays can be a time of connection, comfort, and celebration for everyone—a meaningful part of life for all, including those with I/DD. Changes in routines and environments can be especially challenging for children with I/DD, as childhood is a critical time for development. Here are some ideas and reminders to help create a joyful, person-centered holiday season.
Celebrate in Ways That Feel Meaningful, Not Overwhelming
Holidays don’t have to be loud, crowded, or fast-paced to be special. Many people with I/DD prefer predictability, routine, and quiet comfort. Consider activities that bring warmth and joy without overstimulation:
A cozy holiday movie night with soft lighting (for example, watching a favorite film can help practice social and communication skills)
Listening to seasonal music at a calm volume (an example of a relaxing activity that can support sensory regulation and encourage learning about different traditions)
Crafting simple decorations or cards (this activity helps develop fine motor skills and life skills, such as following steps and expressing creativity. These activities also help develop other skills, such as problem-solving and adapting to new situations. For example, choosing materials or fixing a mistake while crafting encourages problem-solving and flexibility.)
Walking or driving to enjoy neighborhood lights (for example, this can be an opportunity to practice community navigation and observation skills, as well as develop other skills like patience and social interaction when sharing the experience with others)
Baking or preparing safe, favorite seasonal treats (an example of building life skills like measuring, following instructions, and working together. Baking also supports other skills, such as problem solving when a recipe doesn’t go as planned, and teamwork.)
Reading winter-themed books or stories (this supports literacy skills and provides a chance to learn about seasonal events)
Setting up a small “winter wonder” sensory area with soft textures and gentle lights (for example, this can help people learn to self-regulate and explore sensory preferences)
What’s most important is honoring personal preferences. Recognizing people’s abilities and supporting the development of skills ensures that each person’s unique strengths are valued. Ask questions like:
What parts of the season do you enjoy?
Would you like a quiet activity or something more energetic?
Are there traditions you love or ones you’d like to skip?
Voice and choice make celebrations meaningful.
Offer Comfort and Familiarity for People with I/DD
This time of year often changes routines, staffing, and schedules. Familiar items and rituals can create a comforting sense of stability and support adaptive behavior, helping people manage changes in their daily routines and self-care tasks, which can impact not only their emotional well-being but also the functioning of various bodily systems.
Favorite snacks or drinks (with safety in mind)
Familiar blankets or weighted items that provide physical comfort and support the people’s bodily needs
Calm sensory breaks between activities
Predictable daily routines when possible
Visual schedules or countdowns to help prepare for change
These comforting strategies can positively impact functioning in the context of holiday changes by supporting emotional regulation and helping to regulate both emotional and physical systems, thereby maintaining adaptive behavior during disruptions. Little comforts go a long way, especially when emotions and expectations are running high.
Support Emotional Well-Being
The holidays can bring big feelings. For some people, this season brings joy; for others, it brings anxiety, nostalgia, or grief. Supporting mental health for people with I/DD during the holidays is essential, as emotional well-being is closely linked to overall health. Some people with I/DD may also experience behavioral disorders and may benefit from medical support or intervention during the holidays. Gently noticing and validating feelings helps everyone feel understood:
“This feels different today. That’s okay.”
“It’s alright to need quiet time.”
“It’s okay to feel excited / overwhelmed / unsure.”
Supporters play a vital role in helping people express their concerns and promoting a healthy emotional environment during the holidays. Remember, a slow pace is still festive, and quiet moments can be just as meaningful as big celebrations.
Caring for Family Members and Supporters, Too
Those who support people with I/DD, whether at home or in service settings, give so much of themselves throughout the year. Supporters provide support in many ways, and having the right supports in place is essential not only for people with I/DD but also for their families and family members. The holidays add layers of activity, emotion, and responsibility.
You deserve peace, too.
A little self-care can help protect patience, presence, and compassion, and support health and safety for the people you support. Some small ways to reset during the season include:
Taking a few deep breaths during busy moments
Enjoying a warm drink or quiet break
Connecting with colleagues or loved ones
Celebrating tiny successes
Giving yourself permission to rest when possible
When supporters feel supported, everyone benefits, and self-care helps both supporters and family members enable people with I/DD to reach their full potential.
A Free Holiday Support Kit for You
To help bring warmth and calm into the season, we created a Warmth & Wellness Holiday Support Kit designed especially for those who support people with I/DD. It includes:
Calming winter-wellness posters
Peer-to-peer appreciation cards
Gentle self-care tips
Sensory-friendly activity ideas
A compassionate winter well-being check-in
Use these tools in team settings, residential programs, day services, family homes, educational services, special education settings, community-based services, and various residential options, or anywhere people support others. The kit is also helpful for those providing long-term support to people with I/DD during the holiday season.
To every DSP, supporter, clinician, coordinator, teacher, case manager, nurse, and family member: thank you for the patience, presence, and love you bring to your work every day, and especially during the holiday season. Community members, including supporters, play a vital role in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) lead fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities.
Aliah Farley is a Junior Marketing Associate at IntellectAbility.
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