MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Special needs children who have difficulty with crowds and loud noises were able to have a sensory friendly visit with Santa this afternoon at the maresa offices in marquette.
This is the third year for the program designed to make meeting Santa an enjoyable experience for kids who find traditional department store santas uncomfortable.
All visits were by appointment only and include sensory friendly
Playtime, snacks and one on one visits with Santa.
Jessica Pfitzer says her son feels far more comfortable in this quiet, low key setting.
“How loud it gets in those places over-stimulates a child before it’s even their turn to get to Santa.
With this experience, we do low lighting in the room, and the kids are encouraged to sit wherever they’re comfortable, sitting close to Santa, far away from Santa, and it’s really great because we meet the kids at their comfort level,” said Josiah’s mother, Jessica Pfitzer..
Today was the last day for this unique program, however, those wishing to sign up for next year’s sensory friendly Santa experience should contact maresa to make an appointment.
