By Rachelle Rutherford

The holidays are a magical time of year when families gather to celebrate. Whether it's the cherished traditions, festive decorations, or special meals, we can all agree that being together with the people we love most is truly what makes it the most wonderful time of the year. 

However, for the 48 million people in the U.S. who have some degree of hearing loss, the holidays can feel isolating. As we enjoy our holiday music or laugh at a joke, it's easy to overlook how subtle the emotional impact of missing out can be on a loved one. But it’s not simply about missing out on what is happening in the room—it's also about helping our loved ones feel seen and heard. 

Fortunately, there are simple strategies we can all embrace to create a more inclusive holiday experience that everyone can enjoy and to ensure our loved ones truly feel the love and joy we have for them.

Create a Welcoming Environment 

One of the easiest ways to ensure our deaf or hard of hearing loved ones don't miss out is to make the environment accommodating for their disability. Instead of having background noise like loud music or the TV, keep the space quiet to make it easier for them to engage in conversations. While we are used to playing Christmas tunes or the big game in the background, remember it’s not worth it if it makes someone we love feel left out. 

Additionally, letting in natural light during the day and making sure the evenings are well lit can help those who rely on speechreading and facial expressions to follow along with conversations.

Communicate Clearly

Individuals with hearing difficulties rely heavily on clear communication from others to participate in conversations. When speaking to someone who has a hearing loss, it's important to maintain face-to-face interaction and make eye contact. 

Avoid shouting from another room or multitasking while conversing. This is a mistake anyone could make during the holidays—aren’t we all used to catching up while cutting veggies for dinner? 

While you may be used to multitasking, and you probably have a to-do list a mile long, resist the urge to do two things at once. Slow down, give your loved one your full attention, and resist the urge to prep, fold, or bake something.  

Value Inclusivity 

Yes, inclusion means being thoughtful and doing things like adjusting the volume or rephrasing sentences. However, it also means recognizing the emotional needs of those who might otherwise feel disconnected. If someone struggles to understand you, never dismiss them with a "never mind." 

If they are struggling to understand you, repeating the exact words over and over or shouting them louder is equally unhelpful. Instead, try to rephrase your sentence or idea to aid their understanding. 

Consider conveying how much you respect and value their presence. Every moment of genuine engagement, every eye contact made, and every effort to simplify the conversation sends the message that they are valued just as much as anyone else. 

When we take those small actions—like turning off background noise, speaking more deliberately, and making space for them in conversations—we are not just accommodating their hearing needs. We are sharing the message, “You belong here.”

Be Intentional

No one intends to make their loved one or friend feel left out at this time of year, so let's be mindful and intentional about creating inclusive gatherings where everyone feels welcome and valued. With a little intentionality, we can ensure that all who attend our holiday festivities make cherished memories to treasure for years to come. Sometimes, the most profound gift we can offer is the gift of connection, of truly seeing and hearing those around us.

Rachelle Rutherford is the CEO of Kids on the Move, a Utah-based nonprofit that has for the past four decades worked to reshape how to support families with children with disabilities. Her book Chasing the Impossible: A Model for Inclusive and Innovative Care was published in October 2024.

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