Sensitive Santa visits ensure holiday fun is inclusive
Sensory-friendly Santa visits make an often annual family tradition less stressful and more inclusive for all.
The crowds and noise that come with visiting a bustling mall during the holiday season can sometimes become too much for those with sensory or mobility issues.
On Sunday, before stores in Kingsway Mall opened, several families could share an intimate moment with jolly old Saint Nick.
"Our boy is autistic, so sometimes he has sensory issues and can get overwhelmed," explained Sebastian Vanzyp.
Laura Sweetnam's son Micheal has down syndrome and needs time to adjust properly to new surroundings.
"It's helpful for us because they give us the time to try and get him ready and try and get him accustomed to Santa," Laura said. "Whereas when you go into other malls, you have to do it right away."
While Micheal didn't warm up to Santa like his little sister, Laura says the visits get easier each year.
"We did get a photo, which is great and that's what we try for. It doesn't matter if he's crying or screaming, but we got a photo and everybody else is happy," she said with a laugh.
Bentley not only smiled for the camera but gave his best Santa impression.
"Santa was awesome," said Kaylene McKinney, Bentley's mom. "Took time to ask him questions and he was just so excited."
In its seventh season, growing demand has pushed Kingsway Mall to add more time slots.
"One of the most heart-warming things over the seven years is seeing the same families come back year after year, seeing children grow up, seeing the word spread and just seeing the looks in their eyes every year when they come out," said Bo Tarasenko, Kingsway Mall spokesperson.
For more information or to register for a session, visit Kingsway Mall's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Key mediator Qatar urges Israel and Hamas to do more to reach a cease-fire deal
A senior Qatari official has urged Israel and Hamas to show "more commitment and more seriousness" in ceasefire negotiations in interviews with Israeli media, as pressure builds to reach a deal that would free some Israeli hostages and bring a ceasefire in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza.
BREAKING Quebec to invest $603 million to protect the French language
Quebec will invest $603 million over five years to counter the decline of French in the province, French Language Minister Jean-Francois Roberge announced Sunday.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.