Multi-Sensory Christmas Activities for Blind & Disabled Kids
The holidays can be a lot. Crowded rooms, crinkly wrapping paper, noisy toys, changing routines. For many of our kids, especially those who are blind, autistic, or sensory sensitive, all of that “fun” can feel like overload instead of joy.
A few years ago we decided to try something different. Instead of counting down to Christmas with candy or tiny toys, we created a Sensory Activity Advent Calendar. It has completely changed December in our house, turning it into a month of simple, multi-sensory moments that our son can actually enjoy.
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What is a Sensory Activity Advent Calendar?
Think of it as a countdown built around experiences, not stuff. Each day your child chooses one sensory-friendly activity that you have already planned and adapted for their needs.
These activities can be:
- Tactile, like squishing cookie dough or decorating bumpy ornaments
- Auditory, like listening to carols in a dark room lit only by the tree
- Smell and taste based, like cinnamon gingerbread or peppermint hot cocoa
Instead of a mountain of gifts, you get a month of memories that feel calmer and more meaningful.
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How Our Calendar Works
- Brainstorm sensory-friendly ideas: We made a list of 24 activities our son can enjoy, such as baking cookies, decorating tactile ornaments, or building a simple birdhouse he can explore with his hands.
- Print or write each idea on a strip of paper: We tuck the strips into clear ornament balls, but you can also use envelopes, little boxes, or a simple basket.
- Let your child choose one each day: Pulling out the paper and hearing it read aloud becomes part of the routine, which is especially helpful for kids who are blind or who need strong structure.
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A Few Of Our Favorite Sensory Activities
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1. Make Tactile Christmas Ornaments
We use smooth plastic balls plus foam stickers with fun shapes and textures. Our son explores each sticker with his fingers, then helps press it onto the ornament.
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2. Build Edible Ice Cream Cone Trees
Turn sugar cones upside down, spread them with frosting, and add coconut “snow” or tiny candies. This activity is perfect for kids who love to touch, smell, and taste.
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3. Bake Gingerbread Cookies Together
From measuring flour to rolling dough, baking is packed with sensory input. Our son presses the cookie cutters into the dough while we guide his hands, then feels the shapes before they go into the oven.
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4. Decorate a Wooden Birdhouse Ornament
We found a simple craft kit to build an unfinished birdhouse and added foam stickers and textures. The shape is easy to hold, and the flat surfaces are perfect for raised decorations.
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Why These Activities Work So Well
- Encourage hands-on, multi-sensory learning for blind and sighted kids alike
- Build predictable routines during a busy season
- Reduce stress for both parents and kids
- Shift the focus from presents to presence, connection, and shared joy
If you would like to borrow from our list, I put all 24 ideas together for you, with suggestions for adapting each one for kids who are blind, autistic, or have multiple disabilities.
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If the holidays feel overwhelming this year, please know you are not alone. You do not have to do every craft or bake every cookie. Even one or two simple sensory activities can make the season feel more grounded and joyful for your child.
Pick what works, skip what doesn't, and give yourself credit for all the invisible work you are already doing. Your presence, your voice, your gentle hands guiding theirs, those are the real gifts your child will remember.
Wishing you a calm, sensory-friendly, and deeply loving Christmas season.
🎄💚
Amber Bobnar
Founder, WonderBaby.org
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