Christmas with My Family
A Christmas Social Story for Autistic Children
Christmas can be a wonderful time for families to come together.
But it can also bring unfamiliar faces, different routines, noisy gatherings, new foods and unexpected changes.
Your child may wonder:
Who will be there? What will we do? What if I need a break?
Christmas with My Family is an illustrated social story designed to help children understand what may happen during family Christmas celebrations.
With three versions to choose from, families can prepare for Christmas one familiar picture and one manageable step at a time.
Preparing for Christmas together
The stories introduce everyday Christmas experiences, including:
- Visiting relatives or welcoming them home
- Greeting family members
- Sharing a Christmas meal
- Giving and opening presents
- Christmas music and games
- Family photographs
- Asking for help, taking breaks and returning to familiar routines
Each story reminds children that participation can look different.
Your child can join an activity, watch from nearby, ask for a break or choose not to participate in something uncomfortable.
Being part of the family does not mean doing everything everyone else does.
Choose the story that fits your child
Tier 1 — Simple Story
US$3.00
13-page illustrated story | 15-page PDF
Short, concrete sentences introduce the main parts of a family Christmas.
Children learn about visiting, greetings, meals, presents, music, games, photographs and resting afterwards.
Best for: Children who benefit from simple language, familiar pictures and one idea at a time.
$3.00Add to cart
Tier 2 — Intermediate Story
US$4.00
19-page illustrated story | 21-page PDF
A fuller story that explains what may happen before and during Christmas gatherings.
Includes preparing for visits, sensory differences, personal boundaries, communication, waiting, support choices and participating in different ways.
Best for: Children who can follow short explanations and benefit from understanding what may happen and what they can do.
$4.00Add to cart
Tier 3 — Extended Story
US$5.00
25-page illustrated story | 27-page PDF
A more detailed story exploring extended family, unfamiliar situations, sensory experiences, gift surprises, waiting, turn taking, changing plans and mixed emotions.
It offers more opportunities to understand choices, communicate needs and prepare for unexpected situations.
Best for: Children who benefit from fuller explanations and exploring different possible experiences.
$5.00Add to cart
Christmas with My Family — Complete Story Bundle
US$9.00
Get all three illustrated stories in one purchase.
The bundle lets you choose between shorter and more detailed explanations, revisit familiar scenes and adjust the amount of information when needed.
Each version uses the same familiar characters and includes introductory guidance and a Family Visit Plan to help personalise the experience.
$9.00Add to cart
Make the story personal
Before Christmas, look through a few pages together.
You can:
Show who will be there. Use real family photographs when helpful.
Explain what may happen. Include only activities that match your family’s actual plans.
Prepare useful support. Identify familiar food, communication options, a quiet space or a trusted adult.
Leave room for choice. Your child does not have to hug relatives, join photographs, open presents immediately or participate in every activity.
Read the story when your child is comfortable. There is no need to finish it in one sitting.
Simple to prepare
Download and print the story you have chosen.
You may read it as a book, keep selected pages together or use it on a screen.
Personalise the included Family Visit Plan and share relevant information with relatives when helpful.
No complicated preparation is required.
Explore More Everyday Support
Everyday challenges often overlap. A difficult routine may involve communication, emotions or understanding what comes next.
Explore another area where your child might benefit from support.
Daily Routines
Make everyday activities clearer and more manageable with visual supports for mornings, getting dressed, brushing teeth, mealtimes and more.
Communication & Understanding
Help your child understand information, make choices and communicate their needs through clearer instructions and accessible visual supports.
Emotions & Regulation
Support your child in recognising feelings, navigating big emotions, waiting, taking turns and discovering what helps them regulate.
A Christmas that works for your family
Christmas does not need to look the same for everyone.
A short visit can still be meaningful.
Watching can be participation.
Taking a break can make connection easier.
The aim is not a perfect Christmas. It is a Christmas where your child feels prepared, included and supported.