These meetings are a way to provide a holiday experience to children during December, including those with special needs.
Maria’s Mom’s Italian Cookie Cupboard is holding its ninth annual “Cookies with Sensitive Santa” event.
During the month of December, kids will have an opportunity to meet with Santa for free.
Sanata will be available for kids on Thursdays, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and on Saturdays, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 from noon until 4 p.m.
Families are invited to visit with Santa for free at the Cookie Cupboard, located at 13 North Locust St.
Each family sees Santa privately in a quaint atmosphere, and all children receive a complimentary homemade cookie. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras.
The tradition of visiting with Santa is a happy event, but is not always the case for children with special needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This event is a way to also provide a holiday experience to sensitive to children with special needs. The smaller room and quiet atmosphere make families feel like they’re visiting Santa right at home.
This year’s theme is a “Trolls Christmas.” Visitors can also get pictures with Trolls while visiting Santa.
Due to the high volume of visitors, families are encouraged to call and make an appointment for their visit.
“Last Christmas Santa visited hundreds of families,” said Maria Ritter, owner of Maria’s Mom’s. “We’ve had many visitors return since we opened the bakery and we gain new ones each year by word of mouth.
Ritter’s daughter, who is a special education teacher, also helps make the event “sensory friendly”, and ensure that each child has both a positive and memorable experience.
“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.”
For more information or to register call (856) 988–8189 or visit www.mariasmoms.com
