Kids of all sensitivities can meet with Santa in a safe environment free of charge. Events are on Dec. 7, Dec. 9, Dec. 14 and Dec. 16.
Maria’s Mom’s Italian Cookie Cupboard is holding its 10th annual “Cookies with Sensitive Santa’ event during the month of December, where kids of all sensitivities can meet with Santa Claus in a safe environment free of charge.
Events will be held this year on Thursdays, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, from 5 p.m. through 8 p.m, and Saturdays, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16, from noon through 4 p.m.
Families are invited to visit with Santa for free at the bakery. Each family sees Santa privately, and all children receive a complimentary homemade cookie.
Due to the high volume of customers, families are encouraged to call and make an appointment for their visit. Parents are asked to bring their own cameras.
“Last Christmas, Santa visited with hundreds of families” said Maria Ritter, owner of Maria’s Mom’s Italian Cookie Cupboard. “Many come from all over South Jersey for this event and we gain new customers each year by word of mouth. Families are opting for our place instead of enduring the long lines, crowds, and pricey pictures at the mall.”
As explained by those with Maria’s Mom’s, the tradition of visiting with Santa is usually a happy event, but that’s not always the case for children with special needs, including those with Autism.
However, those with Maria’s Mom’s say this event is designed to be sensitive to children with special needs. The smaller room and quiet atmosphere are meant to make families feel like they’re visiting Santa right at home. Ritter’s daughter, an autistic specialist, helps her family make the event “sensory friendly” and ensure that each child has both a positive and memorable experience.
New this year, Maria’s Mom’s is also offering “Decorating Cookies with Santa,” where children can come into the kitchen and decorate cookies with him. Dates available are Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 5 p.m. through 8 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 30, from 5 p.m. through 8 p.m.
“Decorating Cookies with Santa” is by reservation only. For more information, visit www.mariasmoms.com
