As the festive season approaches, the joy of Christmas photos with Santa fills many hearts. But for families with children who have sensory sensitivities or those who communicate through Auslan, the experience of meeting Santa can sometimes come with challenges. This year, Westfield Liverpool is offering Sensitive Santa and Auslan Santa sessions, creating an inclusive space for all children to enjoy the magic of Christmas in a way that meets their unique needs.
What Are Sensitive Santa Sessions?
Sensitive Santa sessions are specially designed to cater to children who may find the traditional Christmas setup overwhelming. For some kids, bright lights, loud music, and bustling crowds can trigger sensory overload, making what should be a fun experience difficult to handle. Sensitive Santa provides an alternative by offering:
- A Calm and Quiet Environment: During these sessions, the atmosphere is adjusted to reduce stimuli—lights are dimmed, background music is lowered or turned off, and Santa’s set up is kept peaceful, allowing children to relax and feel comfortable.
- Extended Session Times: Unlike standard photo sessions, which can feel rushed, Sensitive Santa can offer extended time slots, ensuring families don’t feel pressured. Children can take their time meeting Santa in their own way.
- Patience and Understanding: The staff and Santa are trained to work with children who have sensory sensitivities, showing patience and understanding as they interact with each child.
For many parents, these sessions provide a rare opportunity to capture precious Christmas memories without the usual stress or worry about their child’s sensory experience.
The Importance of Auslan Santa Sessions
For children who communicate through Auslan, meeting Santa can be an incredibly special experience, but only if Santa can communicate with them too! This year, Westfield Liverpool is offering Auslan Santa sessions, where Santa and his helpers will communicate with children in Auslan, Australia’s national sign language. These sessions are a wonderful way to:
- Create Accessible Experiences: Every child deserves to communicate and express their excitement in their own way. With Auslan Santa, children who are Deaf or hard of hearing can feel truly connected to the holiday spirit.
- Encourage Family Participation: Auslan Santa sessions are not only special for the children but also for their families. Parents, siblings, and loved ones who sign can share in the experience, creating a more inclusive family memory.
- Raise Awareness and Normalise Sign Language: Including Auslan in mainstream events like this helps to spread awareness, normalizing sign language and showing how powerful it can be for creating inclusive spaces.
These Auslan Santa sessions provide a unique moment where children can feel understood and valued, reinforcing that the magic of Christmas is for everyone.
Making the Most of Sensitive and Auslan Santa Sessions at Westfield Liverpool
To help families prepare and enjoy these sessions to the fullest, here are a few helpful tips:
- Book in Advance: Sensitive and Auslan Santa sessions can be incredibly popular, so be sure to book early to secure your preferred time slot.
- Prepare Your Child for the Experience: In the days leading up, you might discuss with your child what they can expect during their visit with Santa. Showing pictures of Santa and his grotto or practicing a few greetings can make the experience feel more familiar.
- Pack Comfort Items: For sensitive children, bringing along a comfort item like a fidget toy, favorite blanket, or a Senseez Vibrating Cushion can help them stay calm and relaxed.
- Take Your Time: There’s no rush. Let your child approach Santa at their own pace, even if that means starting from a distance and gradually moving closer.
Why Inclusive Events Like These Matter
By offering Sensitive Santa and Auslan Santa sessions, Westfield Liverpool shows its commitment to fostering an inclusive community. These events not only allow families to enjoy the joy of Christmas on their terms but also set an example for other businesses and venues. Christmas is a time for joy, wonder, and connection, and making these moments accessible for all children creates a truly magical season.
So, this Christmas, let Westfield Liverpool’s Sensitive and Auslan Santa sessions bring that extra-special sparkle to your family’s festive season. By embracing inclusion, we ensure that all children feel the warmth and magic of the holidays in a way that speaks to them directly, celebrating the unique beauty of each child and the importance of family memories.
Autism Advisory & support Service are not the point of contact for these sessions. Form more information or to make a booking click here.
