Roll a Christmas Brain Break Printable

ByHeather Greutman Hours

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This holiday season, sprinkle some Christmas magic into your brain breaks. “Roll a Christmas Brain Break” combines festive cheer with meaningful movement, ensuring everyone stays merry, bright, and balanced!

The holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and… a lot of hustle and bustle. For children (and adults!), combining busy schedules, sugary treats, and heightened excitement can quickly lead to sensory overload or mental fatigue. That’s where a Christmas-themed brain break can work wonders!

A brain break is a short, engaging activity designed to help reset focus, release energy, and refresh the mind. Adding a holiday twist makes it even more fun and festive! A “Roll a Christmas Brain Break” is a simple, interactive activity that can be used at home, in the classroom, or even during holiday gatherings to keep the energy balanced and spirits high.

How to Set It Up

The concept is easy: You use a die (or dice) to determine a quick physical, sensory, or mindfulness activity tied to a Christmas theme.

You’ll need:

  • A six-sided die (or digital dice app)
  • A printed or written list of activities corresponding to the numbers 1–6 (see my download below for you!)

Christmas-Themed Roll a Brain Break Activities

Here are the ideas I included in the printable below.

Elf Walk – Skip around the room

Reindeer Run – Gallop across the room

Santa Walk – Walk like Santa carrying presents

Santa Dance – Dance around the Christmas tree

Snowman Dance – Dance, melting like a snowman

Gingerbread Run – Run like a gingerbread boy/girl

Wrap yourself up like a present

Jump and shake like a jingle bell

Run like a reindeer

Stand tall like a Christmas tree

Have a holiday dance party

“Throw” a snowball

Customizing the Activities

  1. Adapt for Sensory Preferences: Feel free to change out the activities to things your children will prefer. If you need more “calming” activities, include some deep breathing or yoga poses to the list.
  2. Holiday Music: Add Christmas songs to the mix for an extra festive vibe.

Why Do Brain Breaks Work?

  • Physical Movement: Helps release built-up energy, promoting better focus afterward.
  • Mental Refresh: Shifts the brain away from overstimulation or monotony.
  • Social Connection: Especially fun in group settings, encouraging teamwork and shared joy.

How To Use These Brain Break Activities

  • At Home: Use it as a reset between holiday crafts or chores.
  • In the Classroom: A perfect tool for transitioning between lessons or calming a class after recess.
  • During Gatherings: Keep kids engaged while waiting for dinner or unwrapping presents.

Get the Free Roll-A-Christmas Printable Download

I've included all the activities above on a one-page printable that you can hang in your sensory or calming space. There is also a second blank page to customize each letter to things you have in your classroom or home.

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    Heather Greutman, COTA

    Heather Greutman is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with experience in school-based OT services for preschool through high school. She uses her background to share child development tips, tools, and strategies for parents, educators, and therapists. She is the author of many ebooks including The Basics of Fine Motor Skills, and Basics of Pre-Writing Skills, and co-author of Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators.

    CONTENT DISCLAIMER: Heather Greutman is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
    All information on the Website is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical advice from a physician or your pediatrician. Please consult with a medical professional if you suspect any medical or developmental issues with your child. The information on the Websites does not replace the relationship between therapist and client in a one-on-one treatment session with an individualized treatment plan based on their professional evaluation. The information provided on the Website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.

    Do not rely on the information on the Website as an alternative to advice from your medical professional or healthcare provider. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment as a result of any information provided on the Website. All medical information on the Website is for informational purposes only.

    All activities outlined on the Website are designed for completion with adult supervision. Please use your own judgment with your child and do not provide objects that could pose a choking hazard to young children. Never leave a child unattended during these activities. Please be aware of and follow all age recommendations on all products used in these activities. Growing Hands-On Kids is not liable for any injury when replicating any of the activities found on this blog.

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