The holiday season is here! Along with decorating, cleaning, and planning menus, have you thought about who’s entering your home and whether your space is ready to welcome everyone—from the littlest goblins to the wisest turkeys?
No need to stress!
Here’s a simple, practical guide to help you create a joyful, inclusive home where all generations and abilities can gather, participate, and celebrate the holidays together.
Exterior Welcoming
Ease of Entrance
Make entering your home a breeze for everyone, whether it’s a grandparent using a walker, a child in a stroller, or a teenager on crutches. Simple solutions can make a big difference especially if you have 2 steps or fewer to enter your home:
- Portable Wheelchair Ramp: These come in various sizes, are easy to set up, and can be stowed away when not in use. They’re also handy for traveling with little ones or visiting destinations with limited accessibility.
Pro Tip: Measure the rise from the ground to your door (the combined height of your steps). A general rule of thumb: you’ll need 1 foot of ramp for every 1 inch of rise. For example, a 6-inch rise requires a 6-foot ramp. Check the manufacturer’s measuring guide for more details. - Rubber Threshold Ramp: Perfect for thresholds under 4 inches, this product is a game-changer for eliminating tripping hazards. It’s a favorite among our Custom Joy clients and provides your guests with the gift of independence.
Illuminate Pathways
Lighting is key for safety, especially during dark winter evenings. Consider solar-powered pathway lights for an easy, cost-effective solution. These lights require no wiring, are eco-friendly, and provide a warm glow for years.
Interior Comfort
Rug Safety
Remove rugs from high-traffic areas, or secure corners with double-sided tape. Rugs can be tripping hazards for both wheels and feet.
Childproofing and Safety
Add protective padding to sharp corners on low furniture—perfect for households with young children or crawling toddlers.
Seating Options
Provide a mix of seating choices to accommodate guests’ needs:
- Chairs with armrests for extra support to sit and stand
- Firm chairs for stability
- Seating at various heights for comfort and ease to sit from standing and from standing to sit
Sensory-Friendly Spaces
Create an atmosphere that’s comfortable for everyone:
- Keep background music low (or off) to avoid overstimulation for the sensitive and hard-of-hearing
- Designate separate rooms for TV-watching and games, allowing quieter areas for conversation
- Avoid scented candles or overpowering smells.
- Arrange seating to encourage face-to-face conversations, especially for guests who are hard of hearing
Quiet Zones
Set aside a quiet room for kids to nap or for guests to escape the hustle and bustle. A peaceful retreat can be a lifesaver during the holidays!
Pet-Friendly Planning
If you’re hosting with pets, designate a space for them during meals to avoid disruptions. Keeping pets in a separate area ensures everyone can enjoy the festivities without the worry of being short of turkey!
Lighting Matters
Maintain a comfortable lighting level throughout your home. Avoid overly dim or harsh lights to ensure everyone can see and navigate easily.
Ready to Elevate Your Hosting Game?
Check out our shopping guides for products and solutions to create a safe, thoughtful, and joyful environment for all your guests. These simple changes will make your home the ultimate haven for the holidays—one where comfort, safety, and independence take center stage.
Let’s make this holiday season inclusive and unforgettable!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the provided links, at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only endorse products that we have personally used or genuinely believe will benefit our audience. Your support is invaluable to us as it enables us to further our commitment to educating others on the significance of universal and accessible design.
