Maria’s Mom’s Italian Cookie Cupboard Hosting “Cookies with Sensitive Santa”
Maria’s Mom’s Italian Cookie Cupboard is holding its sixth Annual “Cookies with Sensitive Santa” event during the month of December.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, 14, and 21, from noon until 3 p.m., families are invited to visit with Santa for free at the Cookie Cupboard.
Each family will see Santa privately in a quaint atmosphere and all children receive a complimentary homemade cookie.
Families are encouraged to bring their cameras.
“Last Christmas, Santa visited with more than 100 families,” Maria Ritter said, owner of Maria’s Mom’s Italian Cookie Cupboard. “We’ve had many return visitors since we opened the bakery and gain new ones each year by word of mouth. Families are opting for our event instead of enduring the long lines, crowds, and pricey pictures at the malls.”
The tradition of visiting with Santa is a happy event, but this may not always be the case for children with special needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The event is sensitive to children with special needs. The smaller room and quiet atmosphere make families feel like they’re visiting Santa right at home.”
Maria’s daughter, who is a special education teacher, helps her family make the event “sensory friendly” and ensure that each child has both a positive and memorable experience.
Maria’s Mom’s has been featured on NBC10’s The 10! Show, Comcast’s Best of the City, and has been named Best Bakery by both SJ and South Jersey Magazines. Some of Maria’s signature cookies include anisette, almond filled, pignoli, potato chip, and lemon sprinkle. Maria’s coconut macaroons were also featured in the swag bags at the Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, and the Sports Emmy’s in New York City.
“Christmas is the reason we’re here, so this time of year is especially important to us,” Ritter said. ”Our goal is to continue to give back to the community year after year.”
