Our Sensory Family: Preparing for the Festive Break
21 November 2024
Preparing for the Festive Break
Welcome to the latest issue of Our Sensory Family where we're focusing this month on preparing for the festive break!
Much of what makes Christmas an exciting time of year is its sensory appeal – brightly-coloured wrapping paper, twinkling lights, carols being sung at full-blast, special food and drink, social gatherings and family get-togethers. But for children with sensory processing differences, all of this combined with changes to routines can be overwhelming and difficult to manage.
In this issue, we've put together useful information, articles, books, and product ideas that will help you to keep your sensory child or teen on track throughout the festive period so that your Christmas celebrations can be as enjoyable and inclusive for everyone in the family!
News & Features
Check Out This Year's Sensory Help Now Gift Guide!
With the festive season looming, our Christmas elves at Sensory Help Now have been hard at work compiling this year's Sensory Gift Guide.
Packed full of sensory gift ideas for all ages – from babies, toddlers, and children through to older children and teenagers – it's the ideal place to start if you need some shopping inspiration!
Check out the full guide here.
Download Your Free Copy of our Christmas Sensory Survival Kit
With Christmas fast approaching, you may have family members who are struggling with managing their sensory sensitivities at this time of year. Our Christmas Sensory Survival Kit is here to help you!
The kit is the culmination of insights gathered from professionals and individuals living with sensory processing differences. Whether it's managing sensory overload in bustling environments, coping with heightened sensory stimuli, or navigating social gatherings, our kit offers a wealth of invaluable guidance, strategies and tips to assist families and individuals with sensory processing differences in the lead-up to and during the Christmas break
10 Tips for Managing Social Pressures and Sensory Challenges During the Festive Season
The festive season often means more social gatherings, changes to mealtimes, and spending time with extended family which can be a wonderful way to connect but can also create extra stress and challenges, especially for people with sensory processing differences.
This useful blog published on our sister website SIE highlights some practical ideas for managing social pressures, fine motor tasks, and movement challenges throughout the festive period to make it a more sensory-friendly, inclusive and enjoyable one for everyone.
Festive Fun Meets Skill Building!
If you’re looking for ways to keep little hands busy this Christmas while boosting their motor skills, our latest activities blog shares 5 Christmas-themed motor activities that children will love and are designed to inspire creativity and skill development.
Find out more by reading the full blog here.
Also see:
List of autism-friendly Christmas events in the North East from Santa's grottos to pantomimes
Derby sensory clothing brand founded by 12-year-old Max Palfrey shortlisted for Business Boost grant
See relaxed performances in the West End throughout November and December
Dream becomes reality as Maidenhead autism charity launches sensory bus
Dobbies garden centres offer quiet Santa Grotto Experience on Friday 6th December
Resources
We've curated articles, guides and blogs focused on this month's theme of preparing for the festive break including:
- Coping with Christmas Sensory Challenges
- Autism and Christmas: Things that Can Overwhelm Your Child
- Winter Sensory Bin Ideas
See our latest resources ideas here.
Books and Product Ideas
Every month we bring you a selection of books and sensory products covering all ages. If there’s a particular book or product you’d like us to feature, let us know! Find out what we have lined up for you this month...
Wishing you and your loved ones a sensory-friendly Christmas and a happy and healthy 2025!
Best wishes
Sensory Help Now
NB: Sensory Help Now is not responsible for the content on external websites. Sharing a resource does not imply endorsement by Sensory Help Now.
