Santa and Children With Additional Needs: Sensory and Literal-Thinking Considerations
By Justine Firth, founder of Still Counts
Some children experience Santa traditions differently.
A noisy shopping centre, bright lights, long queues, an unfamiliar costume or the expectation of sitting close for a photograph may feel far more difficult than the idea of Santa itself.
Other children may prefer language that is clear and consistent. Vague explanations, figures of speech or answers that change from one conversation to the next can create more questions rather than reassurance.
This does not mean Santa needs to disappear.
It may simply mean changing how the tradition is explained or experienced.
Start with the child in front of you
There is no single approach that will suit every child.
Think about what usually helps them feel comfortable and understand something new.
- Do they prefer to know what will happen in advance?
- Would pictures or a simple step-by-step explanation help?
- Do they need extra time to process a question before answering?
- Would they rather watch a Santa visit from a distance than take part directly?
Clear expectations, familiar routines and visual information can help some children feel more secure in situations that are new or unpredictable.
Keep the language clear
Some children understand language very literally.
If that is true for your child, use straightforward words and avoid explanations that rely heavily on metaphor or phrases that do not say exactly what they mean.
You do not need to explain every part of Santa at once.
Answer the question being asked in language your child understands. Keep the explanation consistent and give them time to think before adding more.
If they ask again later, return to the conversation rather than assuming the first answer settled everything.
Adapt the experience, not the child
Santa visits are not compulsory.
If a busy shopping centre feels overwhelming, you might choose:
- a quieter or sensory-friendly session
- a shorter visit
- watching from a comfortable distance
- no physical contact
- no photograph
- a Santa experience at home
- skipping the visit altogether
A child does not need to endure an uncomfortable experience for the tradition to count.
Sensory differences can include strong responses to noise, light, smell, touch, crowds or particular clothing and textures. Reducing those demands may make the experience much more manageable.
Allow time for the conversation
Some children need more time to process information or may return to the same question several times.
There is no need to rush towards one final explanation.
Keep the conversation calm, allow pauses and return to it when your child is ready.
If you are unsure how best to communicate something important, a trusted professional who already knows your child may be able to help you adapt the language or approach.
There is no single correct way to include Santa in Christmas.
What matters is creating a tradition that feels understandable, comfortable and right for your child.
About the author
Justine Firth is a mother of two and the founder of Still Counts, an Australian brand creating thoughtful conversation tools for families. She created The Big Questions: Santa to help grown-ups find words for the curious questions children ask while enjoying the Santa story together.
Questions grown-ups often ask
When the questions
begin to change
It is not always easy to tell whether a child is simply curious or beginning to understand Santa differently.
The Santa Conversation Guide helps you recognise what may sit behind the question and find words that feel right for your child, your family and the moment.
RECEIVE THE GUIDE