When we think of the holiday season, we often look at the ideas of happiness and cheer. While these can be themes for many out there, there are some individuals who are not looking forward to the holidays for a few reasons. Some of those reasons are within our control and can help guide us to creating a sense of safety for those who are dreading this time.
One of the reasons that some individuals do not like this time of the year is due to the sights and sounds around them. It almost sounds counter-intuitive as the sights and sounds are exactly what creates feelings of happiness and joy in many. However, for those with sensory processing issues, all those sights, sounds, and even scents can create anxiety and lead to sudden escalations. We don’t want those individuals to become the one who “ruined the holidays” due to an escalation in front of others. So how can we help?
First, as we decorate our classrooms and buildings, let’s keep the lighting tasteful and fitting of the area. We are not looking to land airplanes in our hallways or trying to out do Clark Griswald in decorating with lights. Keep it simple with the lights. I have had people ask if there is a specific type of lighting that is best and the answer is no. We recognize that the issue is often too much lighting making it too bright and overwhelming. Think of the lighting on trees, walls, or even ceilings as an alternative to the fiber optic lighting we see in sensory rooms. Different colors and styles are fine, just don’t attempt to have your classroom seen from space!
The second item to consider is music and sounds. There are so many wonderful songs associated with the holidays, and they are nice to have in the background. It is the volume that can cause anxiety with some of our individuals. Aside from the music, loud excited groups of students and faculty can also add to the din potentially causing an escalation. For the students who are affected by loud noises, consider having a set of noise reducing headphones available. By reducing that sound, anxiety levels can be better controlled. Consider if this student uses noise reduction in other daily activities. If that is something which is part of their daily routine, be sure to include any activities where the sounds of songs and excitement need to be lowered.
One of the items some of you have heard me address before is that of scent. Please be careful before adding any artificial scents to the area, like pine or peppermint. While scents, especially ones like peppermint and citrus, may enhance aspects of the focus and attention of some students, they can also be a trigger toward escalation for others. Throughout the year, if you have introduced scents to all the students without issue, then feel free to continue those scents in moderation. However, new scents may bring about disruptions if you are not careful. We must remember that the olfactory is the strongest of the senses for some. We know that Olfactory Dysfunction is made up of several different types. Outside of those types, scents can be directly associated with traumatic experiences as well. We just want to be careful when introducing any new scents and not operate to excess with others.
The next item to be aware of is food allergies. We have so many students with food allergies these days that we need to be cautious of any treats brought into the building or classroom. Share with those offering to bring in treats some of the products to avoid, especially products made in locations where nuts may be present. Many more people are accepting of these types of allergies today as almost everyone knows someone with them. Be sure to have products like Neffy® available too just in case one of the individuals finds themselves going into anaphylactic shock. I like using Neffy® as an alternative to epi pens as it works and does not look as frightening as giving someone a shot.
As we look at those ways of support, we see that they are focused on physical inputs. We cannot forget the mental/psychological inputs that also occur at this time of year. Some individuals have lost people close to them during this time in other years. Losing a family member or even a dear pet can adversely affect how one views the holidays when that grief is not fully processed. Another issue which arises stems from how some of our individuals may be spending their holidays. We forget that for some of our students and even peers, the school environment is safe and protective. When they are home, that safety may not always be there. Even if the home environment is safe from physical or mental duress, it may be a time of loneliness. So, if some of our students shy away from the celebrations, talk to them first.
How do we support these students? First, find a time and space to talk to them about it. If they can communicate their concerns to you, honor those concerns. Look at some of the resources which Anne Kubitsky has put together for trauma-based instruction and support. She has done a wonderful job of creating products which can help without having to go to professional support. If things do seem serious for that individual, be sure to bring in counselors who can assist that individual in processing their own feelings and coming to a better understanding of the support systems in place for them.
As you prepare for guests at your house or being the guest in others’ homes, take some of these ideas with you. Make your environment festive and supportive. Understand how some in your family might be affected in your own home and seek to address it before it happens. When you travel, bring along items that can help you or yours deal with the sights, sounds, and scents in other places as well. Having plans to “escape” for breaks as well as signals when things get overwhelming can assist in maintaining calm, even when the environment is not.
Finally, take time for yourself this holiday season! Find a few minutes each day just to be you. Relax with a good book, some nice tea – my favorite at the holidays - hot chocolate! By starting with yourself, you are best able to be aware of the needs of others and be prepared for potential escalations along the way.
May you and yours have a wonderful holiday season and may 2026 be your best year ever!