MIAMI — It’s that time of year when we make our way to the North Pole, or your local mall, to visit Santa Claus, but the experiences isn’t always a fit for everyone, and that’s why an extra special Santa was called in..

Up bright and early before the stores at The Falls opened their doors to shoppers, Krystal Giraldo brought her family on an annual milestone trip to see Santa during an exclusive event specifically for the inclusive community.

“When you have a child, especially with someone with autism or any other type of disability or different ability, you don’t really think that that’s for us,” said Giraldo. “So we’ve had situations before, when my son was growing up where we didn’t feel excluded, but we definitely didn’t feel welcomed.”

Her 9-year-old son JJ is on the autism spectrum.

Over the years, the traditional Santa visit came with challenges, but the caring Santa they visited offers support to those with special needs

“The fact that they have this individualized training to know how to cater to our kids is evolutionary,” said Giraldo. “I wish every person had some sort of sensitivity training, and that’s why we choose carrying Santa, because he does have that extra special sensitive touch for our kids.”

The Falls host a similar event during Easter.

As for the Caring Santa program, it’s offered at various locations across the region.

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