How Much Can Autism Affect the Holidays: From Baking and Eating Gingerbread to Opening Gifts
The holidays are often painted as a season of joy: sparkling lights, bustling markets, family gatherings, and carefully curated traditions. But for autistic individuals and their families, the reality can be very different.
Autism doesn’t just influence daily life - it shapes how someone experiences sights, sounds, smells, routines, and social interactions. During the holidays, these differences can be amplified - from baking and eating gingerbread to opening gifts and attending family events.
Sensory Overload Everywhere
The holidays are a sensory whirlwind:
Bright, flashing lights on trees, houses, or decorations.
Loud music, carols, and fireworks that echo through homes and streets.
Crowds and bustling environments in malls, holiday events, and family gatherings.
Strong smells from food, candles, or holiday crafts.
For autistic people, these experiences can be overwhelming, exhausting, or even painful. A person who normally enjoys outings may shut down or meltdown when the environment is unpredictable or overstimulating.
“When I told Beckett that we were doing a series of content around autism and the holidays, I asked him what we should write about and if he had any questions. This title was his exact response.”
- Matt
Social Expectations Can Be Stressful
Holidays come with unspoken rules:
Greeting relatives with hugs or handshakes.
Participating in family photos or group activities.
Making small talk with people they may not see all year.
Reacting in “expected” ways to gifts, events, or surprises.
For autistic people, these expectations can feel like navigating a foreign language. Even if the heart is willing, the social demands may be exhausting.
Routine Disruptions Can Be Challenging
Holidays often mean:
Visiting multiple houses or relatives.
Changes in meal times or favourite foods.
Travel, late nights, or unfamiliar schedules.
New decorations, furniture arrangements, or activities.
Routine changes that might seem minor to neurotypical families can feel destabilizing to autistic individuals. Even small deviations from their normal pattern may trigger anxiety or stress.
Emotional Impact
All these factors - sensory input, social pressure, disrupted routines - can lead to:
Anxiety or stress
Emotional meltdowns or shutdowns
Fatigue or irritability
Frustration or withdrawal
It’s not about “spoiling the holidays” or being ungrateful. It’s about real, lived experience, and the way autism shapes perception and comfort.
Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress
Plan ahead: Share schedules, expectations, and routines in advance.
Create safe spaces: Quiet areas for breaks or downtime help manage overwhelm.
Offer choices: Allow people to choose how, when, and if they participate.
Manage sensory input: Adjust lighting, volume, and textures wherever possible.
Adjust traditions: Don’t feel pressured to follow every holiday ritual; find what works for your family.
A Balanced Perspective
Autism doesn’t have to ruin the holidays. But it can change how people experience them - sometimes dramatically. Understanding these differences allows families to plan, adapt, and enjoy the season more meaningfully.
Holidays don’t have to look like the movies. They can be quieter, slower, or entirely different - from baking and eating gingerbread to opening gifts - and still full of connection, love, and joy.
