Preparing for a Sensory-Friendly Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and celebration, but it can also be overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities. Loud noises, strong smells, and unfamiliar environments can make the holiday challenging. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can create a sensory-friendly Thanksgiving that everyone can enjoy. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a sensory-friendly Thanksgiving, ensuring a comfortable and joyful experience for all.

1. Plan Ahead

Discuss Expectations

Talk with your family and friends about the upcoming holiday to set expectations and alleviate anxiety.

Tips:

  • Create a Visual Schedule: Use a visual schedule to outline the day’s events, including meal times, activities, and quiet times.
  • Social Stories: For children or individuals who benefit from them, create social stories that describe what will happen during Thanksgiving.
  • Preview Environment: If possible, visit the location beforehand to familiarize yourself or your child with the space.

Benefits: Planning ahead helps reduce anxiety and ensures everyone knows what to expect.

Prepare Sensory Tools

Having sensory tools on hand can help manage sensory overload and provide comfort.

Tips:

  • Noise-Canceling Headphones: Bring noise-canceling headphones to block out loud or unexpected noises.
  • Fidget Toys: Pack fidget toys or stress balls to help manage anxiety and sensory needs.
  • Weighted Blankets: If calming pressure helps, bring a small weighted blanket or lap pad.

Benefits: Sensory tools provide immediate relief and help maintain a sense of calm.

2. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment

Manage Noise Levels

Thanksgiving gatherings can be noisy, but there are ways to manage the sound environment.

Tips:

  • Quiet Zones: Designate quiet zones or rooms where individuals can retreat if they need a break from the noise.
  • Background Music: Play soft, calming music in the background to create a soothing atmosphere.
  • Volume Control: Encourage guests to keep conversations at a moderate volume and avoid shouting.

Benefits: Managing noise levels reduces sensory overload and helps create a more comfortable environment.

Control Smells

Strong smells from cooking can be overwhelming for some individuals.

Tips:

  • Ventilation: Ensure the kitchen and dining areas are well-ventilated to disperse strong cooking smells.
  • Scent-Free Zones: Create scent-free zones where individuals can escape from strong odors.
  • Use Essential Oils: Use mild, calming essential oils like lavender in diffusers to mask strong cooking smells.

Benefits: Controlling smells helps those with olfactory sensitivities enjoy the meal without discomfort.

3. Adjust the Menu

Offer Sensory-Friendly Food Options

Not everyone can handle the same textures and flavors. Providing a variety of sensory-friendly food options can make the meal more enjoyable.

Tips:

  • Simple Dishes: Include simple, plain dishes without strong spices or sauces. Offer familiar foods that are known to be well-tolerated.
  • Texture Variety: Provide a range of textures, from soft and creamy to crunchy and chewy, to accommodate different preferences.
  • Separate Ingredients: Serve foods like salads or casseroles with ingredients separated, allowing individuals to mix or avoid certain elements as they prefer.

Benefits: Offering sensory-friendly food options ensures everyone can enjoy the meal comfortably.

Incorporate Favorite Foods

Including favorite foods can make the meal more enjoyable and comforting for sensory-sensitive individuals.

Tips:

  • Favorites Menu: Ask your guests about their favorite foods ahead of time and try to incorporate them into the meal.
  • Comfort Foods: Include familiar comfort foods that provide a sense of security and enjoyment.

Benefits: Familiar and favorite foods provide comfort and increase the likelihood of a positive dining experience.

4. Plan Activities with Sensory Sensitivities in Mind

Sensory-Friendly Activities

Choose activities that are inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of sensory sensitivities.

Tips:

  • Quiet Games: Opt for quiet games and activities like board games, puzzles, or crafts that don’t involve loud noises or intense physical activity.
  • Outdoor Activities: If the weather permits, plan outdoor activities like a nature walk or a simple scavenger hunt to provide a sensory break.
  • Story Time: Set up a quiet corner with books and encourage reading or storytelling sessions.

Benefits: Sensory-friendly activities keep everyone engaged and comfortable throughout the day.

Schedule Breaks

Ensure there are plenty of opportunities for breaks to prevent sensory overload.

Tips:

  • Break Times: Schedule regular break times where individuals can retreat to a quiet area if they need a rest.
  • Calm Down Kits: Prepare calm down kits with items like coloring books, sensory toys, and soft blankets for use during breaks.

Benefits: Scheduled breaks help manage sensory input and provide a chance to recharge.

5. Communicate with Guests

Set Ground Rules

Setting ground rules for guests can help maintain a sensory-friendly environment.

Tips:

  • Explain Sensitivities: Let your guests know about any sensory sensitivities and the importance of maintaining a calm and quiet environment.
  • Request Understanding: Ask guests to be understanding and accommodating, such as avoiding strong perfumes or being mindful of noise levels.
  • Collaborative Effort: Encourage guests to contribute to creating a sensory-friendly atmosphere by participating in quieter activities and respecting designated quiet zones.

Benefits: Clear communication with guests ensures everyone is on the same page and contributes to a supportive environment.

Encourage Empathy

Encouraging empathy and understanding among guests can make a big difference.

Tips:

  • Share Information: Share information about sensory sensitivities and how they affect individuals. This can be done through brief conversations or informational handouts.
  • Model Behavior: Model empathetic and accommodating behavior to set an example for other guests.

Benefits: Fostering empathy helps create a more inclusive and supportive gathering.

Conclusion

Preparing for a sensory-friendly Thanksgiving involves planning ahead, creating a comfortable environment, adjusting the menu, planning inclusive activities, and communicating with guests. By considering sensory sensitivities and making thoughtful adjustments, you can ensure that everyone enjoys a happy and comfortable Thanksgiving. Remember, the goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where all guests can relax and enjoy the celebration.

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Kori

Digital Product Creator at Kori at Home
Hey there! I'm Kori, a neurodivergent mom and certified Life Coach, here to empower moms raising neurodiverse families. Diagnosed with ADHD and Autism at 37, I've turned my passion for neuronerdery into practical parenting tools. With a stack of coaching certifications and a love for 80s pop culture, Marvel movies, and all things brainy, I'm here to help you and your family thrive in this neurotypical world.

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