Holidays bring new sights, sounds, and routines. For many children with autism, it can feel exciting and confusing at the same time. Social stories help make these experiences predictable. They show what will happen, what’s expected, and how the child can respond.
You can create a social story for almost any holiday event — visiting relatives, opening gifts, going to a party, or even staying home while others visit. The goal is simple: help your child feel calm, prepared, and safe.
What Is a Social Story?
A social story is a short, step-by-step description of an event written in simple, positive language. It tells your child what to expect and what they can do.
Social stories:
- Use real names, familiar places, and clear words.
- Focus on what will happen, not what might happen.
- Help children feel ready, not surprised.
Social stories work best when they are specific to your child. You can write them on paper, print them with pictures, or read them from a phone or tablet.
How to Create a Social Story
Step 1: Pick One Event
Choose a single event or situation. Examples:
- Visiting Grandma’s house
- Attending a holiday party
- Opening gifts
- Lighting candles
- Having visitors at home
Focusing on a single event keeps the story clear and concise.
Step 2: Write Simple Sentences
Describe what will happen, using clear, concrete language.
- “We will drive to Grandma’s house.”
- “There will be lights on the house and a tree in the living room.”
- “People will say hello when we arrive.”
- “I can wave or say hi.”
Each sentence should share one idea. Avoid long explanations or emotional language.
Step 3: Add Feelings and Coping Strategies
Include how your child might feel and what they can do.
- “Sometimes it feels noisy when everyone talks. I can cover my ears or take a break.”
- “If I feel tired, I can ask to go to my quiet space.”
- “If I don’t want to hug, I can wave instead.”
This teaches your child that their feelings are okay and gives them tools to manage them.
Step 4: End with Reassurance
Finish with something comforting and predictable.
- “When the party is over, we will go home.”
- “I will take off my shoes, have a snack, and rest.”
- “Mom and Dad will be proud of me.”
Example: Visiting Grandma’s House
Title: Going to Grandma’s for Christmas Dinner
On Christmas Day, we will drive to Grandma’s house.
There will be lights and decorations.
Many people will be there. They will say hello.
I can wave or smile when I’m ready.
There will be new smells and sounds.
I can wear my headphones if it gets too loud.
I can sit with Mom or Dad if I need a break.
When it’s time to eat, there will be lots of food.
I can eat my favorite foods from home.
If I don’t want to eat something, that’s okay.
If I need quiet, I can go to the spare bedroom.
I can take my toys and rest for a few minutes.
When dinner is over, we will say goodbye and go home.
I can take a deep breath. I did my best.
Example: Opening Gifts
Title: Opening Presents
On Christmas morning, we will open gifts.
Presents will be wrapped in paper or in bags.
People often laugh and talk while they open theirs.
I can open one gift at a time.
I don’t have to open them all at once.
If I don’t like a gift, I can say “thank you” and take a break.
If the noise feels too loud, I can go to my quiet space.
When I’m ready, I can come back.
After presents, we will clean up the paper.
Then I can play with my new toys.
Making It Visual
Pictures make social stories stronger. You can:
- Use photos of your child, family, or familiar places.
- Print images of the location (Grandma’s house, the dining room, the car).
- Add small icons for feelings like “happy,” “tired,” or “overwhelmed.”
Visuals help your child recognize what’s coming and remember what to do.
How to Use the Story
- Read it together often. Start a few days before the event.
- Keep it short. Five minutes of reading is enough.
- Repeat. Each time you read it, your child learns what to expect.
- Bring it along. You can show the story on your phone or tablet at the event if your child needs a reminder.
Variations to Try
You can adapt social stories for nearly any holiday moment:
- Traveling: “We will drive to Aunt Julie’s house. We will stop for a snack. Then we will arrive.”
- Lights and Decorations: “There will be bright lights and music. I can wear my sunglasses and listen to my favorite song.”
- Religious Traditions: “We will light candles and say a prayer. I can watch quietly or join in when I want to.”
- New Year’s Celebrations: “At midnight, people will cheer. If it’s too loud, I can cover my ears or go to bed early.”
Small changes to the story let it grow with your child year after year.
The holidays can be unpredictable, but social stories give your child a roadmap. They help transform uncertainty into something familiar and safe.
Every time you prepare your child with care and understanding, you make the holidays a little calmer for them and for you.
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