Making the Holidays Welcoming for Relatives Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
As the number of older adults with vision changes continues to grow, more families are finding ways to make their holiday celebrations inclusive for everyone. Many people experience vision loss from conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration—but that doesn’t mean the holidays have to be any less joyful or active. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create an environment where relatives who are blind or have low vision feel fully included and confident.
Here are some simple ways to make your home and holiday gatherings more accessible and enjoyable for everyone:
Keep things familiar.
When you’re putting up decorations, try not to rearrange the furniture or move everyday items to new spots without checking first. People who are blind or have low vision often navigate by memory and spatial awareness. Keeping the layout consistent means your relative can move around easily and safely—without having to re-learn the space.
Decorate with safety and sparkle.
You don’t need to sacrifice beauty for safety. Battery-powered candles, for example, add a cozy glow without the risk of open flames. Make sure walkways are free of extension cords and keep decorations off the floor so everyone can move freely and confidently through their home.
Use contrast and texture to enhance accessibility.
Simple visual or tactile contrasts can make a big difference for guests with low vision. A dark tablecloth against light walls or flooring, for example, can help define the space. Dishes and placemats in contrasting colors make food and tableware easier to distinguish. These small adjustments contribute to a more welcoming and inclusive table for everyone.
Choose thoughtful, accessible gifts.
The best gifts support independence and enjoyment. Consider large-print or tactile games, smart speakers, or audio books. The following are great starting points for your gift giving needs:
- The Blind Kitchen: for basic and advanced tools for the home as well as audio-described videos of the Chef demonstrating cooking techniques.
- Independent Living Aids online catalog: Items of interest to low vision and blind individuals.
- NFB BOOM: Blind owned and operated marketplace; a variety of shopping options from blind businesses.
Finally, often the best gifts are of your time, talent and treasure. Offer your talents of setting up electronics and tech devices, installing basic household items, describing and helping shop for personal items and gifts they are considering buying for others. Invitations to join you for coffee, a walk at the mall, grocery shopping or baking fun holiday treats together are often well received and support social involvement.
Be mindful when communicating.
At large gatherings, it can be hard for anyone to keep track of who’s around. Introduce yourself when joining a conversation and use descriptive language instead of pointing (“The cookies are on the counter by the sink”). When gifts are being opened, describe what’s inside and pass items around so everyone can share the moment together. (“What a beautiful red sweater adorned with small snowflakes”). Offer to take them on a shopping outing if they want to pick up a special baked good or gift before the gathering.
Invite full participation.
Holidays are all about connection, not sitting on the sidelines. Include your blind or low vision relatives in cooking, decorating, or organizing activities—whatever they enjoy. Sometimes, just asking “How would you like to help?” makes all the difference. Most people appreciate being included rather than having everything done for them.
Offer partnership, not overprotection.
Support works best when it’s collaborative. Listen to what your relative says they need, rather than guessing or stepping in too quickly. Respect their independence and preferences and remember that everyone’s experience with vision loss is different.
With a few thoughtful adjustments—and a mindset that values inclusion and independence—you can make sure every member of your family enjoys a warm, welcoming, and truly shared holiday season.
If you’d like to learn more about making life easier and more empowering for people who are blind or have low vision, organizations such as the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired offer excellent information and resources.
Written by Jennifer Harnish, PhD. Executive Director, MABVI