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This Season, 180 Malls Are Hosting Sensory-Friendly Santa Events
It’s that magical time of year when families flock to malls for a photo op with Santa. You know the drill—kids sitting on Santa’s lap, some beaming with joy while others are shedding tears. But what if your child has special needs and the bustling mall atmosphere feels like a sensory overload? Well, worry not! Thanks to Autism Speaks and Noerr Programs Corporation, sensory-friendly Santa events are being held in over 180 malls across the United States.
These special visits allow families with children who have autism or other sensory sensitivities to meet Santa in a calmer and more accommodating setting. Malls can be a bit of a circus, with bright lights and loud noises that can be incredibly overwhelming for kids with special needs. As noted by Autism Help, kids may experience heightened sensitivity to various senses, which can make a typical mall visit feel like an uphill battle.
To make things easier, participating malls will open their doors two hours early from November 20 to December 4, exclusively for these sensory-friendly visits. The aim is to provide a more controlled environment devoid of the usual holiday chaos. So, parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their little ones can enjoy the magic of meeting Santa without the sensory overload. Just like many holiday meet-and-greets, this experience is free, although professional photo packages start at $25.
This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for kids who might otherwise miss out on this cherished tradition. After all, what child wouldn’t want to meet Santa? I still chuckle at the old family photo of my brother sobbing on Santa’s lap while I’m happily munching on his cookie. By offering these sensory-friendly events, malls are paving the way for a more inclusive holiday experience. Parents of children with special needs can finally relax knowing their kids can partake in the festivities without a meltdown in sight—a win-win for everyone!
For a complete list of participating malls, check out the link. And if you’re interested in more on home insemination, don’t forget to visit this helpful post. You can also explore this authority site for an at-home insemination kit, as well as this excellent resource for all things pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, this holiday season, 180 malls are stepping up to accommodate families with children who have special needs by hosting sensory-friendly Santa events. These tailored experiences allow kids to enjoy the magic of meeting Santa without the overwhelming sensory triggers often present in busy shopping environments.