Let’s be honest about holiday seasons, despite the joy & connections, for neurodivergent individuals, it can also feel like a sensory minefield. As someone navigating life with ADHD or on the neuro spectrum, holiday travel often comes with its own set of challenges: crowded airports, noisy family gatherings, last-minute gift shopping, and let’s not even talk about packing & planning, already, anxiety & burnout alert.

But don’t worry—there’s hope! With a little preparation and some neurodivergent-friendly tools, you can manage the chaos and embrace the magic of the season.

1. Quiet the Noise

Gift shopping during the holiday rush can feel like stepping into a carnival of chaos—bright lights, loud noises, and endless jingles. As someone who’s been overstimulated by just a five-minute store visit, try packing your Orbit noise reducing earplugs for a change this year.

They’re sleek, discreet, and designed for noise-sensitive individuals. Whether it’s blocking out the commotion at a mall or reducing background chatter at busy transit such as train station and airports, these earplugs let you focus and restores your calm.

2. Beware of social stress

We all know that holiday gatherings can be overwhelming. Between catching up with distant relatives and navigating small talk, I often find myself needing a quick escape before my head explodes.

That’s where CocoPuffy comes in. This adorable, palm-sized stress relief toy is perfect for discreetly squeezing & stim, or just fidgeting while you listen. Plus, with so many character designs (Who can say no to a quietly puffing capybara), it doubles as a fun conversation starter or a thoughtful gift for your ND family member.

3. Keep Warm and Cozy When Travelling

Traveling during the holidays? You’ll likely spend hours in cramped cars or bustling airports. Staying comfortable is key to managing sensory overload. I swear by my CozyCarry Blanket Cushion—it’s soft, supportive, and easy to carry.

Whether I’m cuddling it on a plane or using it for lumbar support during a long car ride, this multifunctional blanket cushion brings a slice of home wherever I go.

4. Stay Grounded When You Recharge

After a long day of travel or holiday prep, and possibly one too many plate of feast, winding down can be hard. With possibly sensory overload, I often struggle to quiet my racing thoughts and fall asleep, and easily anxious due to any slight trigger. That’s when the earplugs come handy again as well as weighted blanket & mask becomes my nighttime hero.

You’d also want to reach your zen bubble and effectively block out all unwelcomed sensory disturbance such as sound, movement, scent. Give a try at ceramic passive Diffusers —an aromatherapy tool originally invented in Japan, that’s designed to soothe minds.

A few drops of your favorite scent in the diffuser will non-invasively make your surrounding smell great, unlike scented candles, you don’t have to remind yourself to put it out (aha, my ADHD head is nodding already.)

Lastly, put on your pressure mask, think of it as a weighted blanket, but for your head & eyes. The gentle, evenly distributed pressure mimics a calming hug, soothing heavily worked neurodivergent minds and easing you into relaxation. Whether I’m on a flight, in a noisy hotel, or just trying to wind down at home, the mask blocks out light and provides that extra layer of comfort.

5. Holiday Travel Tips, The ADHD-Friendly Version

• Pack Smart: Create a checklist with ADHD-friendly tools like portable chargers, Orbit Earplugs, and snacks.
• Time Block: Overestimate how long everything will take to avoid stress from unexpected delays.
• Use a "Buddy System": Traveling with a friend or family member? Assign them as your "grounding buddy" to help you stay focused during stressful moments. If not accessible, body-doubling apps can also help.
• Hydrate and Fuel Up: Don’t underestimate the power of staying hydrated and having protein-rich snacks on hand.
• Be Mindful of Alcohol, Sugar & Caffein Intake: We get it, it is the holiday season, but alcohol, sugar & caffeine in out-of-routine, unregulated volume can significantly deter and fuss up your mind more than a neurotypical would experience.

The holidays might be noisy, busy, and unpredictable, but with the right mindset and tools, they don’t have to feel unmanageable. So, whether you’re squeezing a CocoPuffy under the table at a holiday dinner or blocking out noisy crowds with Orbit Earplugs, know this: You’re not alone in this journey, and every mind is worth celebrating during this festive season!

As a neurodivergent traveler, I’ve learned that thriving during the holidays isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation and self-compassion. 🎄