‘Tis the Season!
We know how December calendars fill up quickly, so in case you haven’t checked out our December online calendar for the Playhouse yet, we will host our Holiday Open House on the13th from 1:00-3:00pm! We will have crafts, treats, and photos with Santa! Space is limited, so registration is required. Please come join us for friends and fun!
Does your child look forward to seeing Santa? I think this is something that parents might take for granted – that a child would want to sit on Santa’s lap and talk to him. Talking to a jolly stranger is a mixed bag for many children, but possibly even more so for children with special needs.
Parents can take steps to help their child feel comfortable and confident during a visit with Santa. Here are some general, helpful tips from sensoryfriendly.net:
- Introduce Santa Through Photos or Videos: Show your child pictures or videos of past Santa visits to help them understand what to expect. Familiarizing them with Santa’s appearance and behavior can reduce anxiety and help build positive expectations.
- Practice Through Play: Use role-playing games to practice the Santa visit. Role-play lets children explore new experiences safely and builds confidence for the actual visit.
- Visit During Less Busy Hours: If a specific sensory-friendly Santa event isn’t available, visit Santa at less crowded times, such as weekday mornings or right when the mall opens.
- Bring Sensory Tools: Bring items like noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or fidget toys that help your child manage sensory input.
- Ensure Basic Needs Are Met Before the visit, make sure your child has eaten, is hydrated, and has used the restroom.
- Adjust Expectations for the Visit Some children may not want to sit on Santa’s lap or even engage directly with him. That’s okay! Allow them to interact at their comfort level—whether it’s a wave, a high-five, or simply observing Santa from a distance.
At GiGi’s, we love seeing our families during the holidays. Some participants are excited to see Santa, and some are not, and it is all OK with us! We hope families will come for a treat, to make a craft, see Santa, or just come to see friends in a safe and welcoming environment!
Mark your calendars today!
We hope to see you on December 13th!
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