Holiday Etiquette Tips for Children with Blindness 

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I’m heading to my friend’s house tonight for dinner and a movie. I almost hear my mom’s voice: “Don’t go empty-handed.” Mom will be pleased because I’ll be bringing sugar cookies and frosting, a simple holiday treat, for my host. 

Many are preparing to host or visit friends and family as the holiday season approaches. This is the perfect opportunity to teach children and teens, especially those who are blind or have low vision, about hospitality and etiquette. Because incidental learning (learning through observation) may not come as easily to children with visual impairments, we can explicitly teach these valuable life skills. And what better time than during the holidays? 

Preparing to Host 

Hosting guests is a skillful art, and teaching it to children who are blind or have low vision can be incredibly rewarding. Here are some valuable lessons to guide them in becoming thoughtful hosts. 

Tidying Up Your Space 

 
Teach your child(ren) that it’s generally expected to clean up before hosting a meal or party. This includes ensuring clean dishes, glasses, and serving ware (goodbye, dust on the rarely-used platter!). Replace kitchen towels. Clean bathrooms, floors, counters, and tables. It also includes dusting. While a spotless house isn’t necessary—guests will appreciate a welcoming environment. The goal isn’t to impress but to make guests feel comfortable and respected. 

• Pro Tip: For children and teens with visual impairments, help them participate in preparing the home by teaching them where cleaning supplies are stored and giving them tasks like wiping surfaces or organizing common areas. Learn housecleaning tips for those who are blind or visually impaired. Verbal cues, paired with the hand-under-hand technique, can guide them through each task.  

Setting Up for Overnight Guests 

If you’re hosting overnight guests, ensure their bedding is fresh and they can easily access snacks and drinks. Teach your child how to offer guests water, coffee, or tea, and guide them on where they can set out snacks. 

• Pro Tip: Practice offering guests snacks and drinks independently with your child. Use consistent verbal instructions to describe where items are located and how to guide guests around the home. 

Personal Presentation

 Teach your child that just as you tidy your home in preparation for guests, a host ensures they are presentable, clean, and confident when greeting guests. Encourage your child to pick out an outfit that’s clean, neat, and appropriate for the occasion. 

• Pro Tip: If your child is unsure how formal to dress, help them communicate with guests or the host to clarify dress expectations. 

Menu Planning 

Teach your child to ask guests about any allergies or dietary restrictions before planning the meal. Encourage them to stick with recipes they’re comfortable making or to practice new dishes in advance. Also, let them know inviting guests to bring a dish that complements the meal is perfectly fine. 

• Pro Tip: Include your child in meal planning by having them help choose dishes. This is an excellent opportunity to teach them how to consider guests’ dietary needs and preferences. Further, include them in making a list of grocery needs and help shop for them. Learn shopping tips for those who are blind or low vision. 

Hosting the Party 

When guests arrive, greet them warmly, hang up their coats, and offer them a drink. Show them to the party room or introduce them to other guests. Remind your child that table manners are crucial: chew with your mouth closed, ask politely for dishes to be passed, and keep elbows off the table. 

• Pro Tip: Help your child practice these social skills by role-playing as the guest and the host. Use clear verbal instructions and allow them to practice setting the table or offering refreshments. 

Making Conversation 

Teach your child how to make small talk and steer clear of heated topics like politics. Light conversation starters like “What’s your favorite holiday tradition?” or “Have you watched any good movies lately?” are great ways to keep the conversation flowing when meeting new people. 

• Pro Tip: Practice conversation skills with your child before the event. Give them a few conversation starters and remind them of polite ways to engage with guests. 

Being a Gracious Guest 

Being a gracious guest is as much an art as skillfully hosting one. 

Arriving with Gratitude 
Bringing something when you’re invited to someone’s home is always a good idea. If the host refuses your offer to bring food, consider a small token of appreciation like a holiday candle or flowers. 

• Pro Tip: Teach your child about thoughtful gestures by having them pick out or help create a small gift to bring to the host, whether a handmade card or a small treat. 

Communicating Needs 

If your child uses a guide dog or has food allergies, it’s important to notify the host in advance. Upon arrival, they can ask which dishes contain allergens and take age and developmentally-appropriate responsibility for avoiding them. If their plate is served, they can politely ask the host to describe the location of the food using the clock method (“Your turkey is at 6 o’clock, and mashed potatoes are at 3 o’clock.”). 

• Pro Tip: Practice at home by having meals where your child asks for their plate to be described using the clock method. This will help them become confident in communicating their needs in different environments. Your child may not want to use the clock method, which is okay. Ask for and respect their preferences. 

Minding Manners

 Remind your child of basic table manners, such as chewing with their mouth closed, using utensils correctly, and keeping their elbows off the table. Thanking the host for the meal and offering to help with cleanup shows gratitude and consideration. 

• Pro Tip: Encourage your child to offer help at the gathering. Simple actions like offering to clear the table or assisting with serving drinks can boost their confidence in social situations. 

Etiquette: Leading by Example 

Whether hosting or visiting, lead by example. Share your thought process with your child and involve them in each step. If they’re hosting, let them help choose a dish or prepare the space for guests. If they’re a guest, let them pick out a small gift to bring or help plan their outfit. 

Above all, remind them that the most essential part of hospitality is making others feel welcome and cared for. With practice, your child will be well on their way to mastering the art of gracious hosting and guest etiquette!