Sensory-friendly Santa brings holiday joy to children at TIRR Memorial Hermann

Sensory friendly Santa brings joy to local kids

A mom in North Houston helped children with sensory issues enjoy a magical experience with Santa through a sensory-friendly Santa event. FOX 26's Melissa Wilson shares more on the joyful story.

HOUSTON - The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, and thanks to a dedicated mom from North Houston, children with sensory issues can now enjoy a magical experience with Santa.

Ciera, whose 4-year-old son Easton has cerebral palsy, collaborated with TIRR Memorial Hermann to create a sensory-friendly Santa event, ensuring that all children, regardless of their needs, can partake in the holiday spirit.

In a typical setting filled with noisy crowds and bright lights, Easton would struggle. "He starts either hitting himself or screaming on end, and we just can't have that," Ciera explains. "We don't want that for him; it's stressful for him, stressful for us, and stressful for people around us who don't understand that he has a disability and that's how he tries to communicate to us how he's feeling," she states.

However, the setting at TIRR Memorial Hermann in The Woodlands is just right for Easton and other children with similar needs. Ciera teamed up with Easton's physical therapist, Katelyn Navarro, and Santa himself to create this special event.

"Santa chose us to dress up as him and his wife to visit the children who have sensory issues or can't be in loud places, bright lights, or around a lot of people," Ciera expresses. "He chose us to visit them for him so they know they're just as special as all the other kids."

This sensory-friendly experience has made a significant difference for countless children at Memorial Hermann over the past four years. The quiet environment prevents meltdowns, allowing the kids to enjoy a variety of fun activities. Katelyn, who plays a crucial role in the event, shares her enthusiasm. "The feedback that we've gotten from families over the past couple of years warms your heart," she says. "If it weren't for us, they wouldn't have gotten to see Santa. They were surprised at how well it went, just saying the time was the best 10 minutes allowed their kid to warm up and slowly get introduced to Santa. They'd get bubbles, which helped them interact, and it's heartwarming to hear how well parents enjoyed it," she expressed.

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Thanks to the efforts of Ciera, Katelyn, and the team at TIRR Memorial Hermann, it's a Merry Christmas for all, ensuring that every child can have a magical holiday experience.

TIRR Memorial Hermann is a leading rehabilitation center in the nation, renowned for its commitment to changing patients' lives. The facility helps individuals regain the skills and confidence they need to reintegrate into the community.

For more information, visit their website by clicking here.

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