Christmas Made Easier: Autism-Friendly Printables & Ideas
December can feel loud and busy. If you’re supporting an autistic child (at home or in the classroom), the goal is simple: keep things predictable, visual, and fun… without melting down your whole day.
This page is a fresh, updated Christmas pack: easy printables, simple craft ideas, and communication supports you can use straight away.
1) Calendar & routine helpers (great for morning circle)
Download this December trace worksheet for students learning the months.
Trace “December” sheet (fine motor + word practice)
December calendar worksheet (days, numbers, weather, routine): use it daily for quick practice.
Calendar adapted work activities (folder/binder style, good for independent work)
Santa beard countdown craft (add cotton each day – clear, visual, and motivating)
2) Communication & conversation (AAC + social connection)
Use this Christmas conversation starter in a small group activity to increase communication, participation, and choice-making.
Download this Christmas communication board to facilitate responses and choice-making during craft-making sessions.
Christmas communication board (key holiday words/phrases)
Free Christmas AAC board (practical AAC support for festive situations)
Conversation starter cards (simple questions to practise turn-taking and sharing)
3) Reading, matching & “easy win” learning pages
Christmas word colouring worksheet (colour-by-word = reading + attention + calm time)
Winter clothing word search (nice warm-up for group time)
Download this winter clothes word search exercise to keep them entertained.
4) Maths (low stress, high repetition)
Christmas maths worksheet generator (print, refresh for a new sheet)
Candy cane number puzzles (counting + matching, very kid-friendly)
Download this Candy cane count and colour worksheet.
5) Crafts & sensory (hands-on, not “too fiddly”)
Download this Santa and a Reindeer worksheet, where you can practice following written directions.
Download these Xmas lights, trees and ornaments worksheets. These are Christmas colouring and colour words.
Paper snowflakes (steps + patterns): fold, cut, open – big payoff!
Download page one and page two Snowflake folder games. They are very simple. Print 2 pages.
Holiday cone friends (cone Santa/elf/angel templates)
Cut-and-paste Christmas stocking craft (simple, visual craft)
Download this Christmas cut and paste numbers.
Scented sandpaper gingerbread ornaments (great sensory activity – smells like Christmas)
6) Songs & group time (print-and-sing)
Christmas carol sing-along mini book (easy for class or home)
Printable lyric sheets for familiar favourites like Jingle Bells
Printable “Deck the Halls” lyrics
Download these Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls printouts and hold them up to your singers and sing.
Here are some December songs for a small group activity. “He’ll be Coming Down the Chimney” by Jaen and Pat for older kids. Also, Candy Cane Song from the Mailbox Companion, because it’s so cute!
Christmas Folder Game Matching Numbers 1-10 (print all 3 pages) page one, page two, page three
Christmas Folder Game Matching Numbers 15 to 24 (print all 3 pages) page one, page two, page three
If you use these the “Tinsnips way” (simple + repeatable), you’ll notice a big change:
Kids know what’s coming next (less stress).
Communication is easier (fewer guessing games).
Learning still happens, but it feels like Christmas – not schoolwork.
Tip: make a December folder with 5 sections: Calendar, Talk, Read, Maths, Craft. Then rotate just one activity from each section.
To get started today, pick 3 quick wins:
Santa countdown + December calendar
Christmas communication board (keep it on the table)
One maths sheet + one simple craft (snowflake or stocking)