The holiday season is a joyful time to bring family together, but it can also present challenges, especially for guests with specific accessibility needs.
Hosting a Christmas gathering that is welcoming means thinking beyond the standard festive décor and food choices.
By contemplating the comforts of guests with particular needs creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Here are a few ways to create an inclusive, accessible celebration this Christmas.
- Consider Physical Accessibility for Guests with Mobility Needs
If you are in a snowy area, ensure walkways and entry points are cleared and salted for safe access.
Ensure entranceways and pathways to the home are clear and free of decorations.
Consider that, if anyone uses a wheelchair, thoroughfares are wide enough for wheelchairs and walkers to pass comfortably.
Around the dining table, arrange seating with plenty of space to move around comfortably. Check that there are no curled-up corners on rugs or anything that could cause a risk of trips or falls.
- Ensure Lift Accessibility
If you own a home elevator, then it may get extra use this season as you use it to help prepare for the festivities.
Guests will make extra use of the residential elevator too as they will use the lift rather than taking the stairs with cumbersome luggage and piles of gifts carefully chosen and wrapped.
Keep the area leading to the elevator clear and free of decorations, cords, or other obstacles.
Consider turning off the lift using the safety features when not in use, if young guests are around.
- Adjust Lighting for Low Vision Accessibility
Cosy, dim holiday lights may make navigation difficult for guests with low vision.
Ensure that there is adequate lighting, especially in pathways, entryways, and dining areas.
Use high-contrast lights for increased visibility. When using candles use flameless candles, if possible, as open flames can be hazardous for guests with low vision.
- Offer Dietary Options
Christmas is a time for feasting but try to offer a mix of food options for various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-free choices if required for your guests.
Good communication ahead of the festivities can help to identify individual needs and what adaptions may be required. Reach out to visitors beforehand to check if they have specific needs or requests.
Consider that some guests may find harder food difficult to chew. Christmas is also a time to toast the celebrations, but make sure to have non-alcoholic and low-sugar beverage options for guests with different dietary needs.
- Accessible Gift Wrapping and Gifts
Opening gifts can be a challenge for those with reduced dexterity. Having a pair of scissors ready can be a good move. Using gift bags, large tabs, or ribbon instead of tightly taped paper can make it easier when unwrapping gifts and can make a spectacular display under the tree!
An accessible Christmas ensures everyone can celebrate together, creating lasting memories for all, generation after generation. For any guests who are unable to attend in person, set up a virtual participation option so they can join from home whilst still being part of the festivities.
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