Silent Santa sessions offer sensory-friendly visit with Jolly Old St. Nick
Posted Dec 16, 2019 09:06:31 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Due to high demand, Sunnyside Mall is extending its Silent Santa hours.
The event at the Bedford shopping spot started six years ago after a parent requested a low sensory experience with Santa for her son who has autism.
“Our staff worked with this parent to build a program for individuals of any age with a diverse range of barriers,” the mall's marketing manager Jill Mason told NEWS 95.7's The Sheldon MacLeod Show.
“There were similar programs set up in other locations but there was nothing in Nova Scotia at that point.”
The mall has created a private space in a vacant unit. Wrapping paper covers the windows and a sign lets other shoppers know they're near a low-sensory area.
Inside, there's dim lighting and two decorated Christmas trees beside Kris Kringle's chair.
“We purposely used a chair that is armless on one side to reduce a person from feeling claustrophobic … along with the open space, we create an area for our visitors to warm up to the idea of meeting Santa and getting a photo with him,” Mason said.
Appointments for Silent Santa need to be booked ahead of time so staff can work with parents and caregivers to discuss what will be needed for the visit.
“We ask questions about the individual, are they verbal, non-verbal and are there any special accommodations you want us to know about, so when they come in for their Silent Santa photo, we have everything in place to make sure they're as comfortable as possible,” Mason said.
“We have parents tell us that their child has never had an opportunity to meet Santa,” she added. “It's also providing an opportunity for families with siblings to experience a holiday tradition together.”
The last Silent Santa goes December 21 and Sunnyside has added a few extra hours to try and squeeze everybody in.
Those interested in booking an appointment can call the management office at 902-835-5099 ext. 1.
Mic Mac Mall also hosts Silent Santa sessions, with one more scheduled before Christmas on December 22.
Silent Santa also visits Halifax Shopping Centre, but their sessions are booked up for the year.
