5 Tips to Make Your Christmas Eve Service Inclusive and Accessible

The Christmas season is a special time of year. As the weather’s warm winds drop to cooler temperatures, many spirits remain high. Christmas represents a period of hope and joy. We soak in the sweet aromas of nostalgia when we experience and reminisce on some of our favorite Christmas traditions. Many enjoy attending a church Christmas program to celebrate and remember the eternal hope found in Christ’s birth and resurrection. Christmas Eve services are one of the best ways churches engage their local communities during the Christmas season.  

However, we must remember that 'the most wonderful time of the year’ isn’t wonderful for everyone. Many schools take a brief intermission to celebrate the season and welcome the new year. And for our children who thrive on regularity and routine, Christmas break can feel more like a Christmas breakdown. 

If you want to have a big impact on your community this Christmas Eve, utilize these five tips to make your service both inclusive and accessible for individuals and families impacted by disability.

1. I (Don’t) Like Warm Hugs 

Imagine if Olaf, the snowman from Frozen, were a Walmart greeter. Each customer swallowed in a warm cheery hug. Olaf's intention to gladden the less lively customers comes from a good place, but some can’t help but feel a little uncomfortable, or even a slight invasion of space. 

Many churches have a team of greeters whose sole purpose is to stand by the door and welcome incoming guests. Newcomers are instantly embraced with a bright smile and firm handshake. However, some families impacted by disability might not appreciate a grand introduction. It’s not that they don’t want to feel welcomed by your team of volunteers. Some people with disabilities prefer extra space to prevent feelings of overstimulation triggered by sudden change and transition. 

Instead of rushing to meet each guest that gallops through your door, take notice of the families who might need a slightly different greeting style. You can be welcoming without being overbearing. A simple smile paired with a soft, “hello” will do just fine. 

2. Time for Toys and Time for Cheer 

As the day of Christmas draws near, Alvin and the Chipmunks can hardly stand the wait. Like the chipmunks, many children are anxiously waiting to unwrap their Christmas toys, and are, perhaps, feeling a little more fidgety. 

Sensory toys are great gadgets to temporarily relieve stress, calm nerves, and strengthen concentration. Engage kids who have disabilities in your community with a few sensory options. Fidget spinners, poppers, chiffon scarves, silly putty, noise cancelling headphones, and stress balls are some sensory toy favorites! Try filling a bag with a couple of exciting fidgets for your children to borrow during the service. Or if you know a child in your church who may benefit from a few sensory gadgets, consider customizing a bag to fit his or her specific likes and needs. 

Visuals and props are also great ways to involve children during your Christmas Eve service. Many churches offer coloring and sticker worksheets related to the story of Christmas. And if you’re planning on having a candlelit moment during your program, glowsticks are a great substitute for all children! Engage children of all ages and abilities with these quick and easy tips during your program this year. 

3. The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer 

Buddy the Elf isn’t the only one who enjoys a good Christmas carol! Caroling is a widely favored activity during Christmas Eve programs. However, the best way to spread Christmas cheer may not be by singing loud for all to hear. 

Although Buddy would likely adore your church’s creative entertainment endeavors, this year we want to encourage churches to keep it simple. We know it’s tempting to perform “Carol of the Bells” in a dark room under red and green flashing spotlights with the base so loud you can feel your chest vibrate. Unfortunately, this is not the most inclusive way to entertain your community. 

Dark lighting can make it difficult for people to navigate the sanctuary and flashing lights could even trigger seizures in individuals with sensory sensitivities. Noise cancelling headphones and ear buds are great alternatives while simultaneously being conscious of the volume during your musical performance. 

We also recommend preparing a private room as an option for families to turn to when the service becomes overstimulating. Consider playing the program on video or over the intercom at a low volume for guests to enjoy in a less invigorating environment. And remember simplicity is key.  

4. You’re Going the Wrong Way! 

Maybe we don’t know where you’re going, but planes, trains, and automobiles aren’t the only ones who find directions to be helpful! Signs and simple guides will make your service accessible and easy to navigate. 

For many families, showing up on time is not as simple as it sounds. And if you’re running late, searching for an empty row of seats in a crowded room can feel discouraging. If you think your Christmas Eve service might be close to a full house, consider reserving a few seats for your families running a little behind schedule. 

Many churches have also experimented with evolving digital effects behind their lyric display. If you choose to do this, we recommend keeping the movement minimal and highlighting the white text with a black background. This contrast will make it easy for individuals with visual impairments to read the text clearly. 

We also recommend that all passages and quotes be both read aloud and shown on screen to include your individuals who have hearing or visual impairments. Some churches will hire a sign language interpreter to reach the deaf community in their audience. This is another great way to accommodate individuals impacted by disability in your community! 

5. The Season of Giving 

December is known as the season of giving. Many enjoy exchanging gifts with the people they care about as an act of gratitude and appreciation. 

1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 

Show your community that you care for people affected by disability by inviting these individuals to share their gifts with your church. Ask an individual with a disability to join your ushing or greeting team. Have someone pray, sing, or read scripture during your program. And try to avoid solely offering the easy volunteer jobs to the people with disabilities in your church. Instead, consider their gifts and invite them to share their talents with your community this Christmas Eve. 

Individuals and families are vital parts of our congregations and communities. Therefore, we must consider them in the way we do church and present the gospel. We hope these tips encourage your church to reach families affected by disability at your Christmas Eve service this year, because being intentional shows that you care. 

Allie McCarty is the Communications and Marketing Manager for The Banquet Network. For more stories like this one, visit our blog, or click to connect, learn or donate to the mission of The Banquet Network.