Togetherness at the Holidays: Making the Season Inclusive for Everyone
The holiday season often brings images of family dinners, twinkling lights, and joyful gatherings. But for many people with disability — and those who support them — this time of year can feel complex.
Routines change. Services slow down. Social expectations rise. And while some thrive on the festive spirit, others may experience isolation, sensory overload, or grief.
At Alula, we believe no one should feel left behind during the holidays. This blog explores how we can create inclusive, gentle, and connected holiday experiences that honour each person’s needs and sense of belonging.
💡 Why the Holidays Can Be Tricky
Let’s start by naming what’s real:
Disrupted routines: The structure participants rely on often shifts or disappears in December.
Sensory stress: Lights, noise, crowds, and novelty can be overwhelming.
Loneliness: Many participants live alone, are disconnected from family, or have lost loved ones.
Financial strain: Gifts, travel, and events can create stress — especially for people on fixed incomes.
Cultural disconnection: Not all participants celebrate Christmas, or celebrate it the same way.
It’s okay if this season isn’t all tinsel and cheer. The goal isn’t to force joy — it’s to create space for connection, in whatever form feels right.
🫂 How to Support Connection During the Holidays
Here are simple, meaningful ways to foster connection and belonging throughout December — whether you’re a support worker, a family member, or part of a local community.
1. Honour the Participant’s Preferences
Start with questions like:
“What does this time of year mean to you?”
“Are there traditions you like or avoid?”
“How do you want to spend your time this month?”
Let participants guide the tone — not everyone wants Christmas carols or decorations. For some, a simple BBQ in the park means more than a formal dinner.
🔄 If someone’s not sure, offer options — and be open to changing plans.
2. Keep Some Structure in Place
Even when services slow down, a basic rhythm helps:
Morning check-ins
Regular meals
Visual or digital calendars
Predictable staff rosters
If a regular worker is away, introduce new team members in advance. If transport services change, offer to explore alternatives early.
🧭 Familiarity brings calm.
3. Support Social Interactions (Without Pressure)
Friendships look different for everyone. Some love parties. Others just want one-on-one time or a phone call.
Ways to encourage connection:
Help write holiday cards or simple emails
Attend sensory-friendly events together
Share a playlist or favourite holiday movie
Invite someone to join your lunch break or local outing
Arrange a video call with a family member
👥 Connection doesn’t have to be big — it just needs to feel real.
4. Create Low-Sensory Holiday Options
Not every celebration needs flashing lights and loud music. Try:
A picnic with a friend in a quiet spot
Baking or cooking together
A quiet tree-lighting moment at home
A craft or gift-making activity at a calm pace
🎧 Bring noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses if you do go out.
5. Support Meaningful Giving (Without Financial Stress)
Everyone deserves to feel like they can contribute — including participants.
Try these low-cost or no-cost giving ideas:
Handmade cards or baked goods
Sharing favourite books or stories
Acts of service: helping in the garden, decorating a shared space
Creating art or music as a gift
Recording a voice message or video greeting
🎁 The act of giving builds self-worth — and you don’t need money to do it.
🏘️ Supporting Participants Who Are Alone
Not all participants have family or strong informal networks. If you’re supporting someone alone this season:
Check in more often: A 10-minute phone call might mean everything.
Help create new traditions: e.g. “every year I go to the gardens on Christmas Eve”
Explore community lunches: Many councils, churches, and charities host inclusive events.
Make space for grief: This time of year can surface loss — acknowledge it gently.
Offer companionship: Watching a movie, playing a game, or just being present is enough.
💬 Loneliness eases when someone is willing to be there — even quietly.
🎯 Tips for Support Workers Over the Holiday Period
Plan support around what matters most to the participant — not just what’s open
Be aware of fatigue (your own and theirs)
Create “backup plans” in case activities are too overwhelming
Check in with the participant’s family or key worker if you’re unsure about traditions
Leave room for rest — and laughter
🔄 If something doesn’t go as planned? That’s okay. Let go, adapt, and stay kind.
🪶 The Alula Approach
At Alula, we walk with people — even through tricky seasons.
That means:
Listening more than assuming
Adapting supports, not cancelling them
Creating space for both joy and rest
Keeping things human, not perfect
Connection isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s just the quiet moment where someone says, “You thought of me.”
Final Thoughts
The holiday season can be magical — but it can also be messy. For many participants, it brings a complex mix of hope, memory, joy, and challenge.
This December, let’s commit to inclusive, human-centred connection — whatever that looks like for each person.
Because everyone deserves to feel like they belong — not just at Christmas, but always.
