Maria’s Mom’s Italian Cookie Cupboard is holding its 6th annual “Cookies with Sensitive Santa” event during the month of December.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, from noon until 3 p.m., families are invited to visit with Santa for free at the Cookie Cupboard. Each family sees Santa privately in a quaint atmosphere, and all children receive a complimentary homemade cookie. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras.
“Last Christmas, Santa visited with over 100 families,” said Maria Ritter, owner of Maria’s Mom’s Italian Cookie Cupboard. “We’ve had many return visitors since we opened the bakery and gain new ones each year by word of mouth. Families are opting for our event instead of enduring the long lines, crowds, and pricey pictures at the Malls.
“The tradition of visiting with Santa is a happy event, but this may not always be the case for children with special needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our event is sensitive to children with special needs. The smaller room and quiet atmosphere make families feel like they’re visiting Santa right at home.”
Maria’s daughter, who is a special education teacher, helps her family make the event “sensory friendly”, and ensure that each child has both a positive and memorable experience.
After Ritter’s mother recovered from her first phase of breast cancer, the family decided not to wait until Christmas to bake their traditional cookies, but to make them year-round. The popularity of their cookies led them to open the bakery in 2008
“Christmas is the reason we’re here, so this time of year is especially important to us,” Ritter said. ”Our goal is to continue to give back to the community year after year.”
