Christmas Tips for Children with Autism: Making Gift Opening Easier

The Spark Learning Blog • Posted by Alix Naginski, MSc, RBT on December 23, 2025

The Excitement of Christmas Morning and Opening Gifts

Gifts, surprises, and holiday excitement make Christmas morning special. With the excitement comes new routines, different expectations, and lots of sensory input fill the room. Read on for ideas that can help make the day more predictable, joyful, and stress-free, so your family can enjoy the magic of giving together.

When Can We Open Gifts?

For many families, opening gifts together is a cherished Christmas tradition. But waiting for everyone to wake up and gather around the tree can feel like forever to an eager child!

Here’s how to make the waiting game easier, and even enjoyable:

Visual schedules – Create a simple, festive visual schedule showing the morning routine: wake up, breakfast, playtime, then gifts. Pictures or icons make it extra fun, but if your child is a little older, a handwritten schedule works just fine.
Countdown timers – Use a colorful kitchen timer or a digital countdown on your phone. Kids love watching the time tick closer to “presents time!”
Fun time fillers – A holiday activity box can keep little hands busy. Try coloring pages, a Christmas puzzle, or sensory toys like fidgets or Play-Doh.

If waiting in the same room as the gifts is a challenge, try holding the presents back until everyone is up. Bring them in as a big moment, or consider something fun like Santa’s sack magically “appearing” when it’s time. This not only adds excitement, but also avoids the stress of waiting and watching wrapped surprises.

Receiving Gifts (Even the Tricky Ones)

Let’s be honest—sometimes kids (and adults) open something and think… “Hmm, this wasn’t on my list.” That moment can feel confusing or disappointing, especially for children who made lists expecting a particular gift. Even if the gift they really want is coming up soon, they may have difficulty processing their initial disappointment with opening something else first.

A few ways to help your child navigate opening unexpected gifts:

Create a ‘gift-opening social story’ – Include photos, drawings, or simple text explaining:
- We might get gifts we love
- We might get gifts we didn’t expect
- We may not receive everything we wrote down
- We can smile, say “thank you,” or ask for a break
- Other tips that are specific to your child
Practice expected responses – Role-play opening a gift and showing different reactions. Turn it into a game!
Offer reassurance – Let your child know it’s okay if they feel unsure. Encourage them to breaks, hold a comfort item, or open gifts slowly.

This preparation can turn a potentially stressful moment into a confident, positive experience.

Gifts Are for Everyone

Christmas morning can often mean there are several people opening gifts all at once (e.g. siblings, parents, grandparents, etc.). For some children, this can raise questions: “Why did they get that toy?” or “Why am I not opening something right now?”

A few ways to make this part feel joyful instead of confusing:

Preview the plan – Before the big day, explain that everyone gets presents and they might look different.
Gift-opening rotations – Try a simple turn-taking system: one person opens a gift at a time. It keeps things calm and predictable.
Include the child as the ‘helper’ – Some kids love handing out gifts, collecting wrapping paper, or announcing whose turn is next. It creates a sense of participation and pride.
Focus on connection – Celebrate every gift together: “Look what Auntie got!” This models excitement for others and keeps the mood uplifting.

Every child experiences holidays differently, and that’s okay. By preparing a little ahead of time and adding supports that fit your child’s needs, Christmas morning can feel warm, magical, and wonderfully manageable.

Most importantly: enjoy the moments—big or small—that make your family’s holiday uniquely yours.

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