Bright twinkling lights, bustling crowds and the cacophony of jingle bells, holiday tunes and shouts of glee exhilarate many children awaiting an annual tête-à-tête with Santa. But, for those with sensory processing issues and their families, the tradition's frenetic energy can create intense stress rather than happy memories.
In the past, families affected by autism, ADHD and other social and developmental differences often avoided holiday bustle altogether. But shopping centers and community venues have increasingly offered inclusive "Caring Santa" events to ensure more North Texas children can have a moment with St. Nick in an intentionally reconfigured North Pole setting.
Such events often feature dimmer lighting and softer music. At Galleria Dallas, for example, parents can avoid lines and holiday shopping crowds altogether. That mall's annual Santa Cares event, which took place this year on Dec. 9, allows caregivers to sign up for private meetings with Santa during a three-hour window before shops open to the public. The event is free to attend, though photos cost extra, and time slots, which fill up quickly in advance, are open to individuals of all ages.
And, Santa — how does he prepare for such an important date?
We asked an expert: the man who is currently making his third annual appearance in Santa's Village at Galleria Dallas. When he's not there or at his workshop at the North Pole, Santa resides in Van Alstyne. Those North Texas roots are evident in his gentle drawl.
Cherry Hill Programs, which manages him, has asked we not reveal many personal details.
But, if you're wondering: Yes, he wears a beard full-time, and, unlike some of his colleagues, his is "pure white, year-round," he says.
That means children recognize him throughout the off-season — "especially if I wear red," he adds — so he tries to remain aware that little ones know if he's been bad or good.
With great facial hair comes great responsibility.
Santa at Galleria Dallas has been making costumed Christmas appearances for seven years, and, like all of his colleagues associated with Cherry Hill Programs, he attended mandatory training through the company's Santa University. He even took an elective class specifically for sensory-friendly events.
In conversation, it's clear he's put a lot of thought into the role. During sensory-friendly events, he says, he is much more subdued with his, "Ho, ho, ho," as loud noises can be startling. And, he has a welcoming routine.
"First, I hold out my hand and very quietly ask if they would like a high-five," he says.
There's magic in this move. Unlike a hug or even a handshake, which can be distressing for folks with touch sensitivity, a high-five puts a bit more agency into the givers' hands. They get to choose the pressure and the duration of the interaction.
"So many times, that's what draws them in, and I get their attention and am able to talk with them further," he says.
Cherry Hill Programs isn't the only company or organization that produces sensory-friendly holiday events, but it may be among the most prolific nationwide, according to Ruth Rosenquist, its director of marketing and public relations.
The company started with seven Santa Cares events in 2011. That number has grown to 420 across the country in 2018, she says.
Three years ago, Cherry Hill Programs partnered with Autism Speaks to reach a wider network. Now, mall patrons who visit a Santa's Village by Cherry Hill Programs are encouraged to donate to the nonprofit when purchasing photo packages.
"We've seen a definite demand from our community for events like this throughout the year," says Lisa Goring, strategic initiatives and innovation officer for Autism Speaks.
To help fill that need, the organization has incorporated Cherry Hill Programs' Santa Cares events — as well as similar springtime meetups with the Easter Bunny — into the listings on the Autism Speaks calendar, alongside a directory of restaurants, movie theaters and other entertainment venues that welcome families with special needs across the country.
But, despite his thoughtful considerations toward sensory-friendly events, Santa at Galleria Dallas insists that such meetups should be just like any other visit with the man in red.
"I try to treat every individual the same," he says. "It's my hope that these families — the siblings, too — leave sharing a joyful experience and unforgettable memories."
Scroll through for more photos from Galleria Dallas' recent Santa Cares event:
