How the Holidays Affect Neurodivergent Artists

The holidays have a way of stirring everything up—lights, noise, expectations, emotions, family dynamics, and nonstop schedules. For neurodivergent artists, this season hits differently. It can be inspiring, overwhelming, isolating, or beautifully connective…sometimes all at once.

At The Maverick Gallery Foundation, we see how this time of year shapes the creative lives of the artists we support. Here’s what the holidays often look and feel like through a neurodivergent lens.

The Sensory Storm

The holidays are full of sensory overload—twinkling lights, crowded stores, loud gatherings, unpredictable routines. For neurodivergent artists who are highly attuned to noise, brightness, textures, or movement, this can lead to:

• shutdowns or the need for quiet alone time

• difficulty focusing on creative work

• emotional overwhelm

• increased anxiety or fatigue

But here’s the magic: many artists also use these heightened sensory experiences as material. The colors, the chaos, the feeling of being overstimulated—some turn it into texture, movement, or emotion in their work.

Pressure to Mask

Family gatherings often bring subtle or not-so-subtle pressure to “fit in,” “act normal,” or socialize past one’s limit.

Neurodivergent artists often mask more during the holiday season, especially around relatives who may not understand their needs or creative lives. Masking is exhausting—it drains energy that normally fuels art-making, vision, and emotional clarity.

This time of year can lead to internal questions like:“Why can’t I enjoy this like everyone else?”“Why do I feel disconnected?”

The truth is: nothing is wrong. Holiday culture is built around norms that aren’t designed with neurodivergent minds in mind.

Breaks in Structure

Many neurodivergent artists rely on routine to maintain balance. The holidays often disrupt:

• sleep patterns

• work cycles

• studio time

• eating routines

• creative flow

While others are relaxing, ND artists may feel unmoored or frustrated, missing the rhythm that keeps their minds steady and expressive.

Unexpected Inspiration

But here’s the flip side: in the middle of all the intensity, something beautiful often happens.

The holidays bring:

• new textures

• nostalgic memories

• heightened emotion

• layered family stories

• contrasts between joy and pressure

Neurodivergent artists often channel this into some of their most personal, raw, or surprising work. The season becomes a palette—bright, chaotic, and deeply human.

Loneliness in the Middle of Togetherness

Many neurodivergent individuals feel “different” long before they find community. During the holidays, this can feel heavier.

Even in full rooms, ND artists may experience:

• emotional distance

• social exhaustion

• feeling unseen or misunderstood

• longing for authentic connection

This is why art becomes a refuge. A grounding force. A way to process what words can’t hold.

How We Support Neurodivergent Artists During the Holidays

At The Maverick Gallery Foundation, we try to hold space for the full spectrum of this season. Our winter programming includes:

• sensory-friendly open houses

• quiet gallery hours for those seeking calm

• community circles for neurodivergent artists needing support or connection

• workshops designed to help artists work through holiday overwhelm and keep their creativity flowing

The holidays don’t have to be endured—they can be reimagined.

A Final Word to Every Neurodivergent Artist

You are not “too sensitive. ”You’re tuned differently—and that tuning is your gift.

If the holidays hit you harder or deeper than those around you, it doesn’t make you difficult. It makes you honest.

Your mind sees what others miss. Your art feels what others can’t express. Your way of moving through the world is not something to fix—it’s something to honor.

And here at The Maverick Gallery Foundation, we honor you all year long.