'Sensitive Santa' Offers a Calm Photo Opportunity

After a successful inaugural year, The PLUS Company and the Greater Nashua YMCA are again teaming up to create an alternative holiday photo experience with Santa Claus. Families with children with sensory issues or autism are often forced to pass on the traditional photograph with Santa Claus. The noise, crowds, long waiting lines and bright lights that typically accompany settings where children visit Santa can be overwhelming.  To address this situation The Y and PLUS have created an alternate low-key approach to the Santa photo experience.

On Saturday, December 7, a Sensitive Santa session photo session will take place at the Merrimack YMCA from 2 - 4 pm. The afternoon will provide a chance for families to take their own photos with their children and Santa Claus. The event is free to the public; however advance registration is required and can be made by phoning 603-881-7778. The Merrimack YMCA is located at 6 Henry Clay Drive in Merrimack. Families must bring their own camera. Holiday crafts will be available and the atmosphere low key and as soothing as possible.

“Last year we decided to see if there was a need in the community for this type of alternative photo session. We were pleased to learn there was. One father was near tears when he had the opportunity to take a photograph of both his children with Santa. It was the first time in years he was able to get a picture,” said Cynthia Andreola, Director of Marketing & Communication at The PLUS Company. 

“The over stimulation of the holiday season can wreak havoc on families, particularly ones with a child sensitive to noise and crowds. To avoid overstimulation the entire family chooses to miss out on the joy of meeting Santa in order to accommodate the needs of one sibling. We are thrilled to offer an alternative to allow all families that same wonderful holiday experience,” Andreola said.

The PLUS (People Learning Useful Skills) Company of Nashua has worked to provide an array of vocational, independent living supports, adult education and recreational opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders since 1972. The YMCA has been serving the Greater Nashua community since 1889. The mission is to instill values and provide opportunities for lifelong personal growth and the development of a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Both agencies are working together to provide a happy and safe opportunity this holiday season. More information can be found at www.pluscompany.org and www.nmymca.org.