Sensory Santa: Spreading Joy Beyond the Holidays
Christmas may be over, but the spirit of giving and connection lives on year-round through initiatives like Sensory Santa. This month, The Savants is thrilled to spotlight Lynn Holifield, Rehabilitation Director and Speech Pathologist, and Jessica Princell, Pediatric Therapist, from Ochsner Rush Health.
Their incredible work creating joyful, inclusive experiences for families with sensory needs immediately caught our eye when we discovered their Sensory Santa event on TikTok. Here’s a deeper look into the thought and care that make this event so special.
What Sparked the Idea for Sensory Santa?
Lynn: It started during a pediatric therapy meeting. We wanted to give back to our patients in a meaningful way, something special. When the idea of Sensory Santa came up, we all instantly knew it was the one. It was unique to our community, and we couldn’t wait to put our hearts into it.
Jessica: For me, it was an opportunity to fulfill a strong calling to serve individuals with exceptional needs. I’ve always felt a spiritual connection to this work, and Sensory Santa became a way to create unforgettable “first-time” Christmas experiences for families.
How Does Sensory Santa Cater to Children With Sensory Needs?
Jessica: The event is carefully designed to be welcoming without overstimulation. Some highlights include:
- A low-noise environment.
- Trained volunteers who understand sensory needs.
- Sensory-friendly toys and a dedicated tent for children who need a break.
- Santa himself is trained to follow the cues of therapists.
Lynn: Every detail is intentional. Even the photographer works in healthcare and goes with the flow to capture sweet moments without pressure.
What Defines Success for Sensory Santa?
Lynn: Success is seeing a smile on a child’s face as they interact with Santa without fear or stress. It’s also about the impact on caregivers. Many have told us they’ve never had pictures like this before. That joy is immeasurable.
Jessica: Watching the children interact so naturally is magical. One unforgettable moment was when a non-verbal, wheelchair-bound child stroked Santa’s beard and grinned. It was as if he was communicating through his expressions. Santa and the child still keep in touch to this day.
How Has the Community Played a Role in Sensory Santa?
Lynn: Our community has been incredibly supportive. Local organizations help spread the word, and partners like The SPOT donate sensory toys. This year, the Meridian Little Theatre even donated the Santa chair.
Jessica: It’s inspiring to see our community rally behind this event. Their contributions help us create a truly inclusive experience.
What Steps Do You Take to Make the Event Safe and Fun for Children?
Lynn: All the magic of Christmas is here—decorations, toys, and Christmas spirit—but everything is done with sensory needs in mind. When families register, we ask about each child’s sensory needs so we can prepare. For instance, if a child is sensitive to loud noises, Santa keeps his voice calm and gentle.
Jessica: It’s all about creating a welcoming environment where children can enjoy the experience on their terms.
What’s a Moment From Sensory Santa That Stayed With You?
Jessica: One particularly special moment was with a non-verbal, wheelchair-bound young man. The therapist gently placed him in Santa’s lap, and he began stroking Santa’s beard and grinning. His expressions spoke volumes. It was a magical connection that left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
What Are Some Challenges of Hosting Sensory Santa?
Lynn: The biggest challenge is keeping the event small enough to remain sensory-friendly. We never want to turn families away, but keeping transitions and crowds to a minimum is essential.
Jessica: Recruiting and training enough volunteers who understand the mission can also be tough. But it’s worth every effort to ensure the environment is right for these families.
What Advice Would You Give to Others Looking to Create Inclusive Events?
Jessica: Start small and focus on creating the right environment. Include parents of children with special needs in the planning process—they’re the real experts.
Lynn: Flexibility and compassion are key. These families face judgment daily, so being their source of joy can make all the difference.
How Does Sensory Santa Align With Ochsner Rush Health’s Mission?
Lynn: Our mission is to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate by inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities. Sensory Santa reflects our values of compassion, inclusivity, and excellence.
Jessica: It’s a perfect example of putting our patients and their families first while creating opportunities for joy and connection.
What Are You Most Excited About for the Future of Sensory Santa?
Jessica: We’re thrilled that Sensory Santa has grown to four locations across two states. The more families we can reach, the more lives we can touch.
Lynn: We hope to continue expanding while maintaining the event’s intimacy and purpose. Every family deserves a magical, stress-free Christmas memory.
Bonus Question for Santa
Santa, what are you looking forward to most this Christmas?
Santa: The best part of being a Sensory Santa is seeing the joy on everyone’s faces—not just the children, but their parents and the staff as well. I’ll never forget the moment a therapist told me that a child who had never touched another person’s face before stroked my beard that day. Moments like that melt my heart. Seeing parents tear up because it’s the first time their child has ever had a picture with Santa makes every moment magical. I’m already excited for next year’s visit to Meridian, Mississippi—it’s circled on my calendar!
Follow Ochsner Rush Health
- Website: ochsnerrush.org
- Social Media: @ochsnerrushhealth