Sensitive Santa is coming to town

Sensitive Santa is coming to town for a second year and a Bunbury mother is praising the initiative.

Simone Tuia visited Sensitive Santa at the Bunbury Forum Shopping Centre last year with her seven-year-old son Xavier, who has autism.

Ms Tuia said the experience was a real positive and the response from her son was “amazing”.

“He just loved it,” Ms Tuia said.

“Santa got on the floor with him and was playing cars with Xavier.

“It was just more personal than having to wait in line, then having a quick chat and photo.”

The centre is offering three days of exclusive Sensitive Santa sessions for families with special needs in the lead up to Christmas.

The sessions are held in a private area in a bid to make it easier for parents and children.

“Xavier doesn’t like being around a lot of people, so to be in our own little room it is chilled and so much easier,” Ms Tuia said.

Bunbury Forum marketing manager Meike Daeffner said holding the session in a private area allowed families to avoid long queues, crowds and excessive noise.

“Santa visits can be difficult for children facing sensory challenges so a quiet, private, wheelchair and pram-friendly environment is always helpful,” Ms Daeffner said.

“Last year we had over 130 families from the South West attend the private sessions, with the vast majority of children meeting Santa for the first time.”

The free 10-minute sessions with Sensitive Santa are available this Sunday, December 4 and December 11, with bookings essential through the centre.