Making Christmas Shopping Inclusive: Supporting People with Sensory Issues

🎄 Making Christmas Shopping Inclusive: Supporting People with Sensory Issues

The festive season brings lights, music, and excitement, but for many people with sensory sensitivities, Christmas shopping can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of the year. Between the flashing displays, crowded stores, and loud holiday playlists, even a quick trip to the shops can feel like sensory overload.

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Whether you’re a retailer hoping to be more inclusive or a friend wanting to make shopping easier for someone with sensory issues, small changes can make a big difference.

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🌟 Understanding Sensory Issues

Sensory issues affect how someone processes sights, sounds, smells, and textures. People who are autistic, neurodivergent, living with sensory processing disorder, or other hidden disabilities, may find certain environments uncomfortable or distressing. For example:

• Bright lights or flashing decorations can be painful or distracting.
• Loud background music or overlapping sounds can make it hard to focus.
• Strong scents (like perfume counters or cinnamon candles) can trigger headaches or nausea.
• Crowded spaces can feel chaotic and stressful.

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What’s festive for some can be overwhelming for others. But awareness and planning can make Christmas shopping much more enjoyable.

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🛍️ Tips for a Better Christmas Shopping Experience

1. Shop at Quiet Times

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Many stores now offer quiet hours, where lights are dimmed and music is turned off. Shopping early in the morning or during weekdays can also help avoid crowds.

Some examples of this are:

·      Tesco – Wednesday and Saturday, from 9am-10am. Click the link to learn more.

·      Morrisons - 2pm-3pm every Monday to Friday, plus 9am-10am on Saturdays and first hour of trading on Sunday. Click the link to learn more.

·      Asda - 2pm to 3pm, Monday to Thursday (larger stores only). Click the link to learn more.

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2. Plan Ahead

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Make a list of what you need and check online which stores have accessibility or sensory-friendly options. Some retailers post quiet hour schedules or accessibility statements on their websites.

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3. Use Online and Click-and-Collect Options

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Online shopping can take away the sensory stress altogether. If you still want to see items in person, click-and-collect services combine the ease of online shopping with a shorter time spent in-store. As a National Disability Card holder you can access hundreds of discounts and benefits that you can make the most of when doing your shopping online.

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4. Bring Comfort Items

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Noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, or a familiar sensory aid (like a fidget toy) can make a big difference. These tools help create a sense of calm and control.

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5. Take Breaks

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Plan regular breaks in quieter spaces, a café, car, or outdoor area, to reduce sensory fatigue. If you’re shopping with someone who has sensory issues, check in often and be flexible with plans.

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6. Retailers: Create Inclusive Environments

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Shops can do a lot to make a difference:

• Offer quiet shopping hours throughout December.
• Provide clear signage and calm spaces where people can take a break.
• Train staff in disability and sensory awareness, so they can offer support with patience and respect.
• Reduce flashing lights and overpowering scents.

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💳 Supporting Accessibility: The National Disability Card

For those who experience hidden disabilities or sensory conditions, carrying a National Disability Card can be helpful when out shopping. The card discreetly communicates access needs, for example, requesting a quieter space or avoiding bright lights, without having to explain every time. It promotes understanding, reduces awkwardness, and helps staff recognise that a person may need extra time or additional support.

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🎁 A Season of Understanding

Christmas is about kindness, connection, and inclusion. By taking steps to make shopping more sensory-friendly, we create a festive season that everyone can enjoy. No matter how they experience the world.

So, this year, as we deck the halls, let’s also make room for calm spaces, patience, and empathy. That’s the true spirit of Christmas.

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