Making Holidays Accessible for Everyone: Inclusive Tips for a Joyful Season

The holidays are a time to come together, celebrate traditions, and create lasting memories. To make the festivities enjoyable for everyone, including people who are blind or have low vision, it’s important to plan with accessibility in mind. With a few thoughtful adjustments, your holiday celebration can be warm, inclusive, and filled with joy for all.

1. Plan Ahead for Inclusion

Start by considering how to make every part of your holiday gathering welcoming for all.

• Ask Early: When inviting guests, ask if they have specific needs to help them feel comfortable and included.
• Accessible Venues: Host your event in a space that’s easy to navigate, with clear pathways and minimal obstacles. Check for ramps or elevators for wheelchair users and good lighting for people with partial vision.
• Holiday Helpers: Assign a friend or family member to assist anyone who may need extra support during the event.

2. Deck the Halls with Inclusive Decorations

Holiday decorations are a big part of the season’s magic, but they can also be made accessible so everyone can enjoy them.

• Tactile Decor: Use decorations with interesting textures, like ornaments made of felt, burlap, or sequins, so guests can explore them through touch.
• Scented Accents: Add scented candles, wreaths, or essential oils with holiday aromas like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla to create a multisensory experience.
• Sound Elements: Hang jingle bells on doors or garlands that chime when moved to create an auditory festive vibe.
• Lighting: If you’re using string lights, opt for soft, warm tones that are easy on the eyes, and pair them with verbal descriptions of their design for those who can’t see them.

3. Make Holiday Activities Accessible

Festive activities are a great way to bring people together. Ensure everyone can participate by tailoring them for inclusivity.

• Crafts and Baking: Host a cookie-decorating session with tactile tools like icing tubes or textured sprinkles. Crafting ornaments with different materials can also be a fun, hands-on activity.
• Descriptive Games: For games like charades or trivia, provide clear verbal instructions and descriptive cues so everyone stays engaged.
• Music and Storytelling: Sing carols or share holiday stories, using vivid descriptions to make them come alive for people who are blind or have low vision.

4. Serve an Inclusive Feast

Food is a holiday highlight, and small changes can make your meal more accessible to everyone.

• Verbal Menus: Read the menu aloud or provide a digital version compatible with screen readers.
• Organized Buffet: Arrange food in a logical order, with guides to help guests know where to find their favorite dishes.
• Tactile Indicators: Use raised or textured labels on serving dishes so guests can identify food items independently.

5. Clear and Thoughtful Communication

Accessibility is often about ensuring clear communication so everyone feels included.

• Verbal Directions: Explain seating arrangements, game rules, or activities out loud for clarity.
• Accessible Invitations: Send invites in accessible formats like large print or digital files compatible with screen readers.
• Holiday Descriptions: If your event features decorations, performances, or activities, provide vivid verbal descriptions so no one misses out on the details.

6. Foster a Safe and Welcoming Atmosphere

Creating a safe and inclusive environment allows everyone to relax and enjoy the celebration.

• Tidy Pathways: Remove any tripping hazards and keep walkways clear.
• Lighting and Sound: Provide adequate lighting for those with partial vision and keep background noise at a manageable level so guests can navigate and hear conversations.
• Cozy Corners: Offer a quiet, comfortable space where guests can take a break from sensory stimulation if needed.

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Final Thoughts: Making the Season Bright for All

By incorporating accessibility into your holiday planning, you create a celebration where everyone feels valued and included. Small changes, like tactile decorations, assistive tools like Envision Glasses, or thoughtful communication, can make a big difference.

This holiday season, let’s celebrate not just the joy of the season but also the power of inclusion. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for everyone.

Let the festivities begin—accessible, joyful, and welcoming for all!