Four-year-old Alexis Anderson tells Santa what she would like for Christmas at the Sensory Sensitive Santa Lunch at the HomeStay Inn and Suites (Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Sensory Sensitive lunch allows all children the chance to see Santa

Dec 12, 2021 | 10:16 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB– For many kids a trip to visit Santa is a highlight of the holiday season. But for other kids, especially those with special needs, that trip to see Santa can be a difficult one due to the lights, noise, and other stimuli.

Alyson Anderson is a mom of four children, three of which have Autism. She said she understands the challenges of bringing her children to see Santa well.

“There’s a lot of running, a lot of wandering, a lot of meltdowns because of the busy atmosphere,” she said.

But this past Saturday, Candace Meir, an event planner in the city put on an event to allow all children the chance to see Santa through a sensory sensitive lunch with Santa.

“ I think that is the most important thing at this time of year is allowing every child a visit with Santa, and give it the opportunity to visit in a way that they feel comfortable,” she said.

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At the event, the lights were dimmer and the crowds were smaller to accommodate the needs of the children.

The day was a hit for parents like Anderson.

“ I think it is so great that they recognize that some of the needs of the children in our community don’t allow for big busy flashy visits to see Santa, and it was so nice to be able to come to a quiet laid back visit, “she said.

Her children also had a blast. Especially four-year-old Alexis who said her favorite part was,

“Hugging Santa,” she said.

The sensory sensitive Santa lunch took place after the Breakfast with Santa at the HomeStay Inn and Suites. Proceeds from both events went to benefit the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society.