Making December Magic Accessible for All Children
December brings a special kind of wonder – twinkling lights, seasonal traditions, and the joy of giving and receiving. For families of children with differing abilities, the desire to share this magic is universal, yet the path to participation may look different than for typically developing children. At the Trudeau Center, creating inclusive experiences that honor each child’s unique needs while capturing the spirit of the season is at the heart of our Children’s Services programs.
Understanding Sensory Considerations
December’s sensory landscape can be overwhelming for children with sensory processing differences. The bright, flashing lights that delight some children may cause distress for others. The sounds of holiday music, excited crowds at shopping centers, and jingling bells can create sensory overload. Even the textures of holiday clothing like scratchy sweaters or stiff dress clothes can turn celebrations into challenges.
Making December magic accessible starts with recognizing these sensory realities and adapting accordingly. This might mean enjoying holiday lights from the car rather than walking through crowded displays, choosing soft white lights over flashing multicolored ones, or visiting Santa during quieter hours. At home, families can create sensory-friendly holiday environments with adjustable lighting, quiet spaces for breaks, and flexible dress codes that prioritize comfort.
Adapting Traditions Across Developmental Stages
From infants in Early Intervention to children receiving home-based services, Trudeau serves children at every developmental stage. Making December accessible means adapting traditions to match where each child is in their journey.
For very young children, simple sensory experiences like touching soft ornaments, listening to gentle holiday music, or exploring new flavors like gingerbread can create meaningful seasonal connections. For school-age children, visual schedules showing when special activities will occur help reduce anxiety about changes in routine. Older children and young adults might participate in adapted gift-wrapping activities, holiday baking with appropriate supports, or service projects that match their abilities and interests.
“Every child deserves to experience the joy of the season in ways that work for them,” explains Andre Bessette, Ph.D., Vice President of Children’s Services at the Trudeau Center. “Accessibility doesn’t mean eliminating traditions – it means thoughtfully adapting them so every child can participate meaningfully. For example, a child who cannot verbally share their wish list can use pictures to communicate and express their preferences. A child overwhelmed by large gatherings can still connect with extended family through video calls or smaller, quieter visits.”
Communication Supports for Holiday Expression
December is filled with opportunities for children to express excitement, preferences, and gratitude. These expressions may require effective communication tools. Children working with Trudeau therapists can use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, picture exchange systems, or sign language to share their holiday wishes, indicate which activities they enjoy, and express appreciation for gifts and experiences.
Creating communication boards with holiday-specific vocabulary with words like “snow,” “presents,” “cookies,” “family,” etc. empowers children to participate in holiday conversations. Visual choice boards allow children to indicate preferences about activities, foods, or gifts. These tools transform passive participation into active engagement, giving children agency in their holiday experiences.
Supporting Families in Creating Their Own Magic
Trudeau’s commitment to accessible December experiences extends beyond its programs to supporting families in creating their own holiday traditions. Through parent coaching and education, families learn strategies for adapting celebrations to their child’s needs while maintaining the joy and meaning of the season.
“We encourage families to let go of the should and embrace what works,” says Jacqueline Ferreira, Director of Early Intervention at the Trudeau Center. “Your December doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s December. If your child finds joy in the same simple activity repeated daily, that’s your family’s tradition. If you celebrate on a different day to avoid crowds and stress, that’s equally magical. The goal is creating meaningful moments of connection and joy, however that looks for your family.”
The True Spirit of the Season
At its heart, December’s magic isn’t about perfect execution of traditions or picture-perfect celebrations. It’s about connection, joy, and creating memories that matter. When we make December accessible for children with developmental disabilities, we don’t diminish the magic, we expand it, creating space for every child to experience wonder in their own unique way.
For 60 years, the Trudeau Center has been committed to ensuring that children with differing abilities can fully participate in all aspects of life. This December, that commitment means helping families create holiday experiences where every child belongs, every child can participate, and every child can experience the magic of the season.
To learn more about Trudeau’s Children’s Services and how we support children and families throughout the year, visit www.trudeaucenter.org or call (401) 739-2700.
AI may have been used in the initial drafting and research of this article. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, medical, therapeutic, or individualized service advice. Every person’s needs and circumstances are unique. For information about services specific to you or your loved one, please contact the Trudeau Center.
