How to Create Holiday Magic for All Abilities
The holidays shine brighter when everyone feels part of the celebration. Whether you’re joining the family for a night of lights or simply baking cookies on a Sunday afternoon, these moments are about connection (not perfection).
But if you have a loved one with different needs, planning those moments can take extra thought. At Opportunity Village, we’ve spent decades helping families across Las Vegas experience that kind of joy. And we’ve got good news — with a few simple adjustments and an open mindset, every tradition can become meaningful and fun for all.
So, what does an inclusive tradition actually look like?
What Makes a Holiday Tradition Inclusive?
Think of inclusion as a mindset, not a rulebook. It starts with small choices, like:
- Asking for everyone’s input. What feels fun or meaningful to each person? Maybe it’s decorating cookies, maybe it’s music night. For people with intellectual disabilities, take into account what they’re able to do and what they might enjoy and build that into the activity.
- Being flexible. If plans change or someone needs a break, adjust. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, but connection.
- Considering comfort levels. Some family members might love noisy gatherings; others prefer calm activities. Build both into your plans.
Try this: Hold a quick family “yes/next time” chat. Everyone names one favorite tradition to keep (“yes”) and one idea to try next year (“next time”). You’ll hear some interesting ideas and make sure everyone feels heard.
When you approach the holidays this way, you’ll find something beautiful happens — stress levels drop, laughter rises and the memories you make together feel joyful for everyone.
Inclusive Holiday Traditions at Home
Home is where the holidays begin (and where some of your best memories are made). You don’t need fancy plans or Pinterest-perfect decor to make them meaningful.
Decorate together
Turn decorating into a team effort. Some might hang ornaments, others pass hooks or choose colors. Use grip-friendly tools or light plastic ornaments if needed. Try soft-glow or twinkle lights that bring sparkle without sensory overload. The goal? A tree or space that looks like your family made it together.
Bake as a team
Whether it’s sugar cookies, gingerbread, or boxed brownies, baking is one of the easiest ways to include everyone. Use pre-measured ingredients, adaptive utensils, or set up simple tasks like pouring, stirring and taste-testing. Yes, it takes some extra time and planning, but you’ll create something delicious and confidence-boosting at the same time.
Make memory crafts
Create ornaments with photos from the year or build a scrapbook page for each family member. This kind of crafting is about the process as much as the result. It doesn’t need to be perfect. A smudged paint thumbprint today becomes a family treasure tomorrow.
Share gratitude in your own way
For a lot of us, giving thanks is a big part of the holidays. Here, inclusion means letting people express thanks however feels natural — spoken aloud, written down, drawn as a picture, or shown through a smile or gesture. A nightly gratitude circle or “thank-you board” can become a small but powerful family ritual.
Quick tip: Focus on connection over perfection. A tree with uneven ornaments or cookies that crumble a little still tastes sweeter when everyone’s had a hand in making them.
However you share the holidays at home, remember this: you’re building confidence, joy and a sense of belonging that lasts long after the decorations come down.
Inclusive Holiday Outings and Community Experiences
The magic of the holidays doesn’t stop at home. When planning outings, think about what makes the experience welcoming for everyone. Some events celebrate inclusion from the start with things like easy parking for wheelchair access or quieter spaces for breaks. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Visit local light displays
Seek out places with wide pathways, ramps, and sensory-friendly options. The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village is much-loved by visitors of all ages and abilities. Stroll or roll through sparkling lights, sip hot cocoa and enjoy the laughter that fills the air — it’s pure community joy.
Enjoy inclusive performances
Sometimes local theaters and choirs stage performances that feature lower sound levels and dimmer lights to create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Take a family photo walk
Head to an accessible park or downtown light display with your camera or phone. Capture candid moments, holiday decor, or even pets in Santa hats. It’s an easy way to make memories while staying active together.
Join a community event
The Las Vegas Great Santa Run is one of the city’s most inclusive holiday events, bringing together thousands of smiling faces (some walking, some rolling, some running) all supporting programs for people with disabilities. Whether you join the race or cheer from the sidelines, you’ll be part of something bigger than yourself.
When you join inclusive community traditions, something special happens: you overcome some of the barriers to belonging, and togetherness takes center stage.
Give Back Together
One of the most meaningful holiday traditions you can start is giving back. And it’s even better when you share it together. When everyone has a way to give, no matter their ability, you’re building empathy and community all at once. There are lots of ways you can share the season of giving with everyone in your family.
Volunteer locally
Look for community programs that welcome volunteers of all abilities. That might mean packing food boxes, greeting guests at an event, or helping decorate a community center. Even a short volunteer shift can make a big difference, and it feels good to do something meaningful side by side.
Create to give
Handmade cards, ornaments, or small treats can brighten someone’s day. Make a few extras during your family craft time and drop them off at a local nonprofit, school, or senior center.
Remember, small acts can have a big heart. Sometimes giving back is as simple as writing a thank-you note to a teacher, calling a relative who lives alone, or leaving a treat for your mail carrier. It’s not about how much you give — it’s about giving together.
Keep the Spirit All Year Long
Inclusion isn’t just for December; it’s something you practice in daily life through the choices you make. This year, you might:
- Keep loved ones involved in everyday plans. Whether it’s deciding what’s for dinner or choosing a weekend activity, ask for everyone’s input year-round.
- Continue shared traditions. Weekly cooking nights, neighborhood walks, or family volunteering can turn ordinary days into moments of connection.
- Celebrate the small stuff. Birthdays, milestones, or even a good day at work — mark them together. The more we celebrate each other’s wins, the stronger our sense of belonging becomes.
Eventually, inclusion stops being something you “do” and becomes part of who you are as a family. And if you’re looking for a place that celebrates that spirit all season long, you’ll find it right here in Las Vegas.
Celebrate with Opportunity Village
Join Opportunity Village this holiday season. Experience the wonder of the Magical Forest, wandering beneath glowing lights, sipping hot cocoa, and feeling the joy of a Las Vegas holiday tradition that welcomes every family and all abilities.
Or put on your Santa suit and join thousands of smiling faces for the Las Vegas Great Santa Run, celebrating inclusion, joy, and community pride.
Whether you’re strolling through twinkling lights or donning a Santa suit, come and be part of the joy — when everyone belongs, that’s where the magic really happens. Keen to see more ideas? Discover 12 ideas for crafts for adults with disabilities.
