Christmas Activities for Speech Therapy
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year (cue music 🎵 and snowflakes ❄️). I do love the winter holidays- lots of food, family, and beautiful decorations. I am one of those people who starts playing Christmas music on November 1.
However, Christmas can be stressful for our friends who have special needs and their families. There are a lot of social, language, and sensory demands. For example, children with sensory processing issues may be overwhelmed by concerts. People with autism may be stressed by large family gatherings and having to make small talk.
Below are social, language, and sensory tips. Also, check out my holiday digital problem-solving scenarios on TpT.
Social Skills
To prepare your child for small talk, discuss the people who may be at the Christmas parties and brainstorm topics to discuss. Add in role-playing; pretend you are the other family member or friend and have your child practice their side of the dialogue.
Suggested small talk topics
- Hobbies
- Sports
- Climate
- Movies
- Video games
- Travel
- Interests
- The location
- Current events
- Updates since the last family event
Language Skills
In small talk, there may be new vocabulary words that your child hasn’t been exposed to. Below are common words that are associated with Christmas. Discuss these with your child and their meaning. Have the child generate additional words and categories. This is an easy car game you can do on the way to the party. 🎁
After discussing the vocabulary and meanings, practice using them in small talk. For example, one topic could be about the food at the party and what you love or what you love about Christmas and how being together makes you feel.
| Food | Decorations | Traditions | Emotions/Sounds |
| Turkey | Lights | The Nutcracker | Christmas songs |
| Ham | Candy canes | Polar Express | Bells |
| Pie | Reindeer | Presents | Happy |
| Cookies | Snow | Christmas movies | Joyful |
| Corn | Snowman | Christmas Music | Grateful |
| Sweet potatoes | Candles | Santa | Thankful |
| Fruit salad | Stockings | Parties | Peaceful |
| Green beans | Christmas tree | Gift exchange | Content |
| Dressing | Ornaments | Hot cocoa | Warmth |
| Cranberry sauce | Wreath | Gingerbread houses | Relaxed |
Sensory
Occupational Therapists (OTs) have tons of tips on sensory regulation and calming techniques. Check out The OT Butterfly’s blog for resources.
For other holiday ideas, check out my blog HERE. What other are other vocabulary words do you think are important for Christmas? Let us know in the comments below.
