A Quiet Visit With Santa

PRINCE GEORGE – Getting photos taken with Santa doesn’t always go smoothly, but Autism BC in Prince George hosted their second annual “Quiet Santa” event to make the activity a little easier for certain families.

“It’s important so that you know the parents can continue their Christmas traditions with their child who may not be comfortable with the sort of conventional way of meeting Santa Clause. And it’s important for the kids themselves because a lot of them want to meet Santa Clause but they want to meet Santa on their own terms. So we are providing them an opportunity to experience Christmas, to enjoy the magic of Christmas but in a way that meets their needs,” says Northern Regional Coordinator of Autism BC, Corey Walker. 

No music is played during the event, keeping it as quiet as possible and the kids can interact with Santa in their own way whether it’s a high five or sitting on his lap for a photo. The event isn’t just for children with Autism, it’s for families that have children of any age with sensory issues.

“They’re so thankful because some of them have been trying for a few years to get a picture with Santa and it’s never worked and finally they got something. So the parents are just thrilled and most of the time the kids leave here happy, there’s always some kids that are crying but I think that happens in the mall too,” adds Walker.