How to: Visit with Santa

This is cross posted from last year’s post at Discussing Autism.

Is your little one afraid to see Santa this year? Is he overstimulated by the mall and all the glittering lights, afraid of all the people, conscious of every detail around him, ready to flee at the slightest movement of someone in line, refusing to put on that shirt and tie for grandma?

In my search for tips on how to prepare AJ to visit Santa I only found two posts…This one and this one so it was obvious that it needed to be addressed.

Every parents’ dream is to get that beautiful picture of their son or daughter with Santa for the very first time. (Well, at least I know my dream was and I know that my mother pushes me to get my son all dolled up every year and take the most perfect posed shot I can.) But it is just not a reality for kids with autism or SPD, for children with developmental delays like PDD or anxiety.

• Do be wary of your child’s insecurities. If you know your child is scared of elves chose a photo opportunity that does not have elves manning the camera.
• Do plan ahead

Talk to your son or daughter before they visit with the man in the red suit. Generally speaking, they’re not supposed to talk to strangers, so show them that Santa is a known character.

Books, animated films and television programs can help take the mystery away from the man.

• Do go at odd hours of the day or week. Wednesdays are great days…the slowest day of the week and can often yield the best results.
• Do take along a comforting friend or relative who can hop up there with him.
• Do let him know that its okay to talk to Santa and that Santa is safe.
• Do be prepared to walk away if things get too hectic.
• Do be prepared for a bad photo but don’t be surprised if it a great one!
• Do talk to Santa. It will make your child feel more comfortable.
• Do keep pictures up all year so that your child sees pictures of him/her with Santa for next year.
• Don’t make a huge event out of it.
• Don’t dress him up so he is uncomfortable. For sensory kids this can be the worst…ditch the formal wear and go for something comfortable. My favorite picture of AJ is of him in overalls and a green turtleneck.
• Don’t forget the snacks, the drinks, and the lovie. Ever been without the comfort item? Now there is a lost cause. Make sure your child feels safe.
• Don’t go before scheduled naps or before lunch times when lines can make children cranky.
• Don’t go to the mall where things get out of control quickly. Look for other local places like department stores, school outings, or even local neighborhood events. Our special needs group hired a Santa this year for an hour and it was a great success. If you have someone of Santa Size…rent the costume for a small group.

We had a great visit with Santa last year because we chose to do it on AJ’s terms. Our friend hired Santa to fly in and AJ was able to approach him at his pace. He sat on his lap and talked to him when he wanted to, not when the line behind him dictated. It worked great.