December is a time for fun, festivities, and celebrations for many people, but the disruptions, bright decorations and unexpected guests can sometimes make the season difficult or distressing.
At our specialist learning disability care home, we ensure that our celebrations are inclusive, welcoming and centred around how our residents want to celebrate during the festive season.
Every learning disability is unique, and the makeup of a perfect Christmas and the challenges of the season will change from person to person.
Because of this, having a person-centred approach and planning ahead is essential to ensuring that people have as much fun as they can during what can often be an overwhelming time of the year.
The best approach in general is to plan ahead and introduce each new part of Christmas gradually.
For example, whilst many people, families and public places like to put up their decorations in one go, moving furniture around to fit the tree, adding new flashing lights, and twinkling festive decorations can be too much change in one go. Instead, try to do one step at a time and be clear about what is going on.
Similarly, try to plan ahead when it comes to the Christmas schedule, do not book too many events they need to come to and be accommodating if schedules need to change. Offer alternatives to the traditional festive activities.
As well as this, whilst some disruptions to normal routines are essentially unavoidable around Christmas, the more you can minimise these changes, the more comfortable some people will feel around them, and that can make all the difference.
Finally, have a grounded, quiet sensory room set up so that anyone who feels overwhelmed by the festivities can feel safe and have some time to feel more comfortable and safe.
How To Have An Inclusive Christmas Celebration
- Be flexible and allow everyone to celebrate in their own way.
- Set a gentle pace and make it clear which events are happening when.
- Gradually introduce decorations and presents.
- Set up a quiet sensory room.