'Sensitive Santa' Returns to Forsyth This Weekend

Forsyth County libraries are preparing for a very special visit from Santa Claus, meant for all the good little boys and girls who have sensory or other special needs.

The year’s first “Sensitive Santa” event will be held at the Cumming Library from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and will feature a quiet, tame environment for children who are easily upset and agitated by visits to the mall or other bustling venues to sit on the lap of a strange man in a red suit.

Other dates and times for visits are as follows:

• Post Road Library - Dec. 6, 2:15 - 4:30 p.m.
• Hampton Park Library - Dec. 12, 2 - 4 p.m.
• Sharon Forks Library - Dec. 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Instead of the traditional “wait in line, sit on lap, leave” approach, Santa and his elves will have special 10-minute sessions with each child, allowing him or her to get comfortable with St. Nick, talk with him, and maybe even go for the traditional lap sit. While waiting for their special visit, kids can munch on snacks they brought from home or work on arts and crafts in the library.

The event is free and open to all families, but registration must be completed in advance.