5 Ways Sensory Play Can Help During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a magical time full of excitement, but it can also bring big feelings, new routines, and sensory overload for children with sensory sensitivities or neurodivergent needs. That’s where sensory play comes in! Sensory play is an excellent tool to help children feel grounded, supported, and engaged during this busy time. Here are five ways sensory play can make a difference during the holidays:

1. Reduces Holiday Stress and Anxiety: Sensory play can help children decompress and manage anxiety by providing a familiar, calming activity with the holiday disruptions in your routines. Tactile play with items like putty, feathers, or pom poms allows kids to experience the holiday through all 5 senses, which can be calming and help with overall regulation.
   Tip: Use sensory items like scented playdough, soft textures, or slow-moving glitter jars to create a relaxing space for your child during busy days.
   
   
2. Prepares for the Experience: The holidays often come with new experiences—meeting new people, visiting unfamiliar places, or participating in large gatherings. Engaging in sensory play that mimics these settings or using themed sensory boxes, like PRE BOX, can help kids feel more prepared in these situations.
   Tip: Create a holiday-themed sensory kit with mini figurines, play mats, or props that mimic real-life holiday scenarios, like a family dinner or a festive party.
   
   
3. Encourages Communication: Sensory play invites children to express their thoughts and feelings, whether through spoken words, gestures, or other forms of communication. It’s a safe, low-pressure way to start conversations about holiday activities, expectations, and emotions.
   Tip: Use sensory materials that encourage dialogue, like crafting foam ornaments together or exploring sensory bins with thematic objects, such as tiny gifts or ornaments.
   
   
4. Exposure to Different Textures and Sounds: Many holiday activities involve textures (e.g., fuzzy decorations, crunchy leaves), sounds (e.g., bells, holiday music), and smells (e.g., cinnamon, pumpkin pie). Sensory play can gently introduce these elements, helping children build familiarity with the sensory aspects of the holiday season.
   Tip: Introduce textures and sounds through sensory bags, sound-making toys, or scented play materials like cinnamon-scented rice or vanilla-scented putty.
   
   
5. Promotes Independence and Confidence: Sensory boxes and activities that involve structured play with holiday themes give children a sense of control. Through play, they can explore at their own pace, fostering confidence in handling holiday-related scenarios independently.
   Tip: Let your child take the lead in a holiday sensory activity, such as creating a sensory bin filled with seasonal items like ornaments, pinecones, or ribbons.

Sensory play is more than just fun—it’s a powerful tool to help children navigate the unique challenges and joys of the holiday season. Whether you’re creating a calming corner at home or preparing for a festive event, sensory activities can help your child feel supported, engaged, and ready to enjoy the magic of the holidays.