Santa Cares

Taking Dubbers to “meet” Santa Claus was something we had never thought about as an option. When you have a child with special needs, holidays, whether it be Halloween, Christmas or 4th of July, are a different experience. By no means is it a bad experience, it is just different. For example, Dubbers dresses up for Halloween every year, but has never gone trick or treating. He sits at the table with his loved ones each Thanksgiving, but never actually eats the food. He receives toys and other presents on a day in December around a decorated tree, but has never created a list for Santa or better yet, had the opportunity to meet him.

About a month ago I heard of a special program. It is through a partnership between Autism Speaks and Cherry Hill programs that allows children, who otherwise may not be able to handle the traditional Santa experience, come at a special time just for them. Santa Cares is described as a time when all families of children with autism and other special needs can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa, in a more subdued and calm environment. These events are offered in locations across the country (mostly malls) and usually on a Sunday morning (before the mall is open to the public).

We were in Dallas with my family for Thanksgiving, so I took advantage of scheduling Dubbers’ appointment at a mall close to my parents’ house. The event was free you just needed to reserve a time online. A few days beforehand we started telling Dubbers that he would be meeting Santa Claus. He seemed intrigued. He also happened to zero in on a specific train track at Pottery Barn Kids. We explained that he could ask Santa for this train track. Each time he would say “train track” on his Talker, Phil or I would remind him that he needed to ask Santa for it.

When Sunday morning came, we headed to the Dallas Galleria excited but curious to see how this would go. The mall was calm and quiet and directions to the specific location had been clearly communicated when I reserved our appointment time. We approached the space they had so carefully planned and set-up for these special kids and I immediately knew that this was going to be great. We checked in and were told just to relax, until our time came. There were tables set up with coloring books and other activities, as well as snacks to eat while we waited. Dubbers did not seem anxious at all, as their was no bustle and commotion usually associated with Santa lines at the mall. Instead other families like us, some with much more challenged children, were able to sit and relax until it was their time.

We were given a heads up a few minutes before it was Dubbers’ turn, so we waited at the beginning of the long red carpet leading up to Jolly Old St. Nick! This Santa was extra compassionate, patient and understanding, telling us not to worry and to take our time. I kept thanking him and told him how special this was and he looked at me and said, No…thank you, as I am the lucky one to meet all these very special people. Dubbers eventually joined him on the couch and told Santa exactly what he was hoping for, a “train track!” He also told Santa that he lived in New York City 🙂 We took some pictures and then Dubbers said “bye bye”to Mr. Claus with one of his token hugs!

The experience was perfectly executed, not only stress-free but enjoyable. Like all events I attend for children with disabilities,etc. my heart swells seeing the love and support others are so willing to give. Dubbers and so many deserving children were finally able to meet Santa Claus, a holiday event no (believing) child should miss out on for any reason.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/santa2017