Hosting with Care: A Practical Guide to Inclusive Holiday Hosting

The holiday season is just around the corner. It is the time of family visits, gifts, long evenings with mulled wine or eggnog, and the usual round of Christmas movies everyone claims are “tradition.” For sighted people, this is a season full of lights, colors, and shiny decorations. But how do we make sure our blind and visually impaired friends and relatives are fully included and able to enjoy the celebrations just as much as everyone else? Here are a few simple tips.

Offer a lift.

Christmas travel can be hectic with crowded public transport, delays, and general holiday chaos. While it may be just annoying for sighted travelers, it can be a real challenge for blind and visually impaired guests. Offering a ride helps them arrive stress-free and ready to enjoy the celebration.

Give a quick orientation.

When guests arrive, take a moment to point out where things are. A brief description of the room layout, where coats and bags go, and any furniture you moved to “make space for Christmas” helps everyone feel comfortable and independent from the start.

Choose decorations everyone can appreciate.

Holiday décor often focuses on bright colors and sparkle, but it does not have to be only visual. Scented candles, essential oils, or a textured tablecloth can make the space feel festive in a way that engages more senses. Adding a few jingle bells to door handles or garlands can also create a pleasant sound as people move around.

Make menus accessible.

If you are hosting a brunch or dinner and plan to print menus, include a braille version or read the menu out loud when serving. It is a small effort that helps everyone feel equally included in the experience.

Choose games everyone can play.

Instead of board or card games that rely on visuals, try a group pub quiz or verbal trivia. These games are fun, easy to join, and keep everyone engaged without the need for visual cues.

Label gifts in an accessible way.

If you exchange gifts, add tactile stickers, braille labels, or simply read out the tags before handing them out. It keeps the joy of gift giving shared and avoids any awkward guessing moments.

Keep the music at a comfortable volume.

Holiday playlists are part of the season, but loud music can make conversations difficult to follow, especially for blind and visually impaired guests who rely more on sound. Keeping the volume moderate helps everyone participate comfortably.

By paying attention to a few small details, you create a holiday atmosphere where every guest feels welcome and comfortable. These little touches make celebrations more enjoyable for everyone. With the holidays just a few days away, it is the perfect time to keep inclusion in mind and make this season truly festive for all.