Lights, music stay low for Sensitive Santa
The annual trip to see Santa Claus at the mall can be stressful for families. The flashing lights, loud music and large crowds can overwhelm even the calmest of kids.
For families of children on the autism spectrum, trips like these can be nearly impossible.
They need the gentle touch of a Sensitive Santa. The events, which take place at more than 180 malls across the country, including Sunday at Polaris Fashion Place, make it possible for all families to get their picture with Santa.
Simple adjustments provide a controlled and welcoming environment for children with special needs, said Mary Dimitrijevska, the mall’s marketing director.
Sunday’s event, which partnered with Autism Speaks and was free to attend, took place before the mall opened at noon to reduce sensory stimuli.
“We turn down all the lights and the music, there’s no flash photography, no sounds on the play set,” she said. “It’s super-relaxed and low key.”
About 50 families came to see Santa during the two-hour event at Polaris. Dimitrijevska said Santas go to “Santa School” to learn how to help put kids with special needs at ease, like stepping away for a moment to allow the child to get comfortable first.
Audrey Vrancken, a marketing assistant at Polaris, said the event is especially emotional for her. Growing up with an autistic younger brother, family outings were often a challenge.
Vrancken said her parents would have a Santa Claus come to their home to get pictures, so it’s important for her to help make this event special for these families.
“It’s really rewarding to see families have these happy moments together,” she said.
Tim Beem and his wife, Suzanne Camilli, have taken their sons Arden, 7, who is autistic; Ronan, 6; and Grayson, 5, to see Sensitive Santa for the past three years.
Beem recalled taking the children to see a different mall Santa when they were younger. “It was a nightmare,” he said, especially for Arden. “It was always the crowds.”
Beem said he appreciates the attention that Santa and the other staff members take to make it a relaxed event.
“To have a Santa that gets kids to open up is great,” he said.
Miriam Voderberg agreed. She and her husband, Peter, brought their kids, Brandon, 10, who has cerebral palsy; Annaliese, 3; and 2-year-old twins Danielle and Elliott, who has autism, to Sensitive Santa for the first time.
Having multiple children with disabilities, Mrs. Voderberg appreciated the Sensitive Santa event.
“We have to ask for help with so many things, it’s nice to come here and not have to worry or apologize,” she said.
Polaris Fashion Place will host a second Sensitive Santa on Dec. 3 from 9 to 11 a.m. on the lower level between JCPenney and the Main Entrance. The Mall at Tuttle Crossing will host a similar event on Dec. 3 from 8 to 10 a.m. on the lower level near Hallmark. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to comScore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. million.
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