Creating a Sensory-Friendly Thanksgiving 

Tips for an Inclusive Celebration

Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family, and communities to come together in celebration. However, for many adults and children, holiday gatherings can be overwhelming and even stressful due to sensory overload. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can host a sensory-friendly Thanksgiving that’s inclusive and comfortable for all.

This blog provides easy, sensory-friendly ideas for Thanksgiving, whether you’re hosting at home or organizing a community event, helping make the celebration inclusive and enjoyable for all

Why Thanksgiving Can Be Sensory-Rich and Overwhelming

Thanksgiving gatherings often create sensory-rich environments, where multiple sensory elements combine to create a highly stimulating experience. This can mean an environment filled with sounds, sights, smells, and even textures that engage multiple senses all at once. While these sensory inputs may enhance the holiday atmosphere for some, they can feel overwhelming for individuals sensitive to sensory input, including those with sensory processing disorder, autism, or other sensory sensitivities

Sarah’s Sensory-Friendly Thanksgiving Story

Sarah, a mother of two, wanted to host Thanksgiving for her family and friends, but she knew the usual bustling holiday environment could be overwhelming for her younger son, Ethan, who has sensory processing disorder. In past gatherings, the loud conversations, bright lights, and unfamiliar foods left Ethan feeling stressed, leading to meltdowns that impacted his enjoyment and that of the family.

This year, Sarah decided to try a sensory-friendly approach. She dimmed the lights slightly and replaced scented candles with unscented ones, creating a calmer visual and olfactory environment. In addition,she also set up a quiet space in a spare room with soft cushions, headphones, and a few fidget toys, allowing Ethan—and any other guest—to take breaks from the noise and activity if they needed. Furthermore, Sarah let her guests know in advance about the relaxed dress code and even shared the event schedule, so everyone would feel prepared.

As a result, the small changes made a big difference. Happily, Ethan enjoyed being part of the celebration without feeling overwhelmed, and Sarah found that other guests appreciated the calm, welcoming atmosphere as well. By creating a sensory-friendly Thanksgiving, Sarah made the event more inclusive, showing how simple adjustments can help everyone feel comfortable and included.

Here are a few common sensory challenges during Thanksgiving:

• Crowds and unfamiliar people: For those with sensory sensitivities, being in large groups or around unfamiliar people can be uncomfortable and stressful.
• Loud conversations and background noise: Multiple conversations, loud voices, and background music can be overwhelming.
• Bright or flashing lights: Fluorescent lighting or bright decor may contribute to sensory discomfort.
• Unfamiliar smells and foods: The unique scents of Thanksgiving meals can feel overpowering. Furthermore, food is also often unfamiliar, too.
• Different or formal clothing: Holiday outfits may feel restrictive or uncomfortable, particularly for those with tactile sensitivities.

A sensory-friendly Thanksgiving addresses these potential stressors, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

Common Sensory Challenges at Thanksgiving and Simple Solutions

Sensory Challenge	Description	Sensory-Friendly Solution
Noise	Loud conversations, music, and clattering dishes.	Reduce volume, turn off background music, and use soft seating to dampen sound.
Bright or Flashing Lights	Bright decor, fluorescent lights, or flashing lights.	Use dim lighting or natural light; avoid flashing decorations.
Unfamiliar Scents	Strong food aromas and holiday scents.	Use unscented candles, cook in well-ventilated areas, or place foods in covered containers.
Large Crowds	Being surrounded by many unfamiliar people.	Create a quiet zone, allow smaller group interactions, and provide personal space.
Uncomfortable Clothing	Formal or tight clothing that may irritate the skin.	Allow guests to wear comfortable clothing or sensory-friendly attire.
Unexpected Social Interactions	Unfamiliar greetings like hugs or handshakes.	Offer contactless greeting options, like waving or a friendly “hello.”

Steps to Create a Sensory-Friendly Thanksgiving

1. Plan Ahead to Reduce Stress

Preparing for Thanksgiving well in advance is key to minimizing sensory overload. Adjust schedules gradually if traveling or changing routines, and introduce sensory-sensitive individuals to the types of food, activities, and people they might encounter. In addition, you can also “play Thanksgiving” to help children practice social skills or use videos and pictures to introduce them to what they can expect.

2. Share an Event Schedule with Guests

A simple way to reduce anxiety is to create and share a schedule. For example, this can include the event’s timing, location, and planned activities. Moreover, providing this information beforehand helps guests prepare mentally, creating a more comfortable experience for all.

3. Allow Guests to Request Accommodations

Encourage your guests to ask for any accommodations they may need. Furthermore, small changes, like a quieter seating area or allowing someone to bring their own food, can make a big difference in helping everyone feel at ease.

4. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment

Consider these practical steps for a sensory-friendly setting:

• Avoid fluorescent and flashing lights.
• Minimize background noise by turning off music in at least one area of the gathering.
• Keep strong scents and unfamiliar odors to a minimum. Add extra air filters. Ensure ventilation.
• Provide comfortable seating and different options.
• Declutter spaces to avoid sensory overwhelm.

These adjustments create a calmer, more sensory-friendly atmosphere that feels welcoming.

5. Designate a Quiet Zone

Setting up a quiet zone where guests can take breaks from the main event can be a lifesaver. This area should be free from conversations and loud noises, with comfortable seating and calming activities like fidgets, books, or even Thanksgiving-themed arts and crafts. This space allows guests to relax and recharge.

6. Offer Sensory-Friendly Kits

Consider providing sensory-friendly kits for guests. These kits might include:

• Noise-canceling headphones
• Fidget toys
• Weighted lap pads

By offering items that help people manage sensory input, you empower your guests to create a comfortable experience based on their preferences.

7. Include Calming and Movement Breaks

Breaks can be both calming and energizing. A group walk before dinner or a post-dinner stroll can help manage energy levels. Movement breaks reduce stress and provide a predictable routine for children and adults alike, helping everyone stay more comfortable and relaxed.

8. Make Dress Codes Flexible

Formal clothing can be uncomfortable, especially for people with tactile sensitivities. Instead, encourage a flexible dress code that allows guests to wear what feels comfortable, even if it means skipping the holiday attire.

9. Provide Sensory-Friendly Training to Helpers

If you’re hosting a large or more formal event, consider training staff or volunteers on sensory-friendly practices. Research has shown that sensory-friendly training can improve guest experiences by fostering greater understanding and accommodation.

10. Offer Sensory-Friendly Greetings

Traditional greetings like handshakes and hugs may be uncomfortable for some people. Provide contactless greeting options like waving, air high-fives, or using a simple verbal greeting like “Namaste.” Offering choices allows everyone to participate comfortably.

FAQs: Sensory-Friendly Thanksgiving Tips

Q: How do I explain sensory overload to guests unfamiliar with it?

A: Sensory overload occurs when someone experiences an overwhelming amount of sensory input, making it hard to process or enjoy the environment. By creating a sensory-friendly space, you help make the experience more comfortable for everyone.

Q: What are some sensory-friendly Thanksgiving activities?

A: Arts and crafts, storytelling, or a family walk can provide low-key, calming alternatives to more intense activities. These are ideal for anyone needing a sensory break.

Q: How can I prepare my sensory-sensitive child for Thanksgiving?

A: Prepare in advance by adjusting schedules, practicing social skills, and introducing them to unfamiliar foods and experiences through play or videos. These steps help set expectations and reduce anxiety.

Creating an Inclusive Thanksgiving with Sensory Friendly Solutions

By implementing these steps, you’re helping create a Thanksgiving celebration that’s inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and sensory-friendly Thanksgiving that meets everyone’s needs!

Our Sensory-Friendly 101 Course, available as part of our comprehensive Training Membership, is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to create more inclusive and accessible spaces. This course covers the basics of sensory-friendly environments, helping you understand sensory sensitivities, common triggers, and practical strategies to make any setting more comfortable for all. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll learn actionable tips to reduce sensory overload and make a positive impact in your home, community, workplace, or events. Join our Training Membership to access this course and many more valuable resources on sensory-friendly practices.

If you’re interested in learning more about creating sensory-friendly holiday events, check out our Training Membership at Sensory Friendly Solutions. Our membership offers affordable access to a variety of courses on sensory-friendly practices. Watch a short video from our founder, Christel Seeberger, she has 30 years of health care experience and personal insights into sensory challenges, to see how our training can support you.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, sensory-friendly Thanksgiving that is just right for your senses! 

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