KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A nonprofit that aims to support children across East Tennessee gave kids of all abilities a chance to meet Santa on Thursday, Dec. 12.
The Muse is an organization that makes sure children have a place where they can safely have fun while also encouraging them to fulfill their potential as artists, scientists, inventors and citizens. It held a Sensory Santa event on Thursday, where children could take pictures with Santa in an environment meant to minimize sensory overload.
Families could enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while having fun with some sensory-friendly activities while also taking pictures with Santa. Anyone who wanted to join in the event had to register beforehand, so the nonprofit could better accommodate families' needs.
Those needs can range widely between children. Some children with autism or sensory processing difficulties may end up quickly overwhelmed by the traditional flashes and noises when visiting Santa at the mall. By reducing bright lights, minimizing noise and reducing crowds, The Muse made an event where everyone could have some holiday fun.