'Sensitive Santa' For Special Needs' Kids At Christmas Tree Farm

CUTCHOGUE, NY — The coronavirus pandemic can't stop the holiday fun from unfolding at Santa's Christmas Tree Farm LI in Cutchogue.

Socially distanced activities this year include an ice-skating rink, bouncy inflatables, visits from Santa on weekends, and, of course, Christmas trees.

Also back this year are two special "Sensitive Santa" days, which this year include "Sensitive Skating," organized especially for kids with special needs and special sensory needs

Sensitive Santa and Sensitive Skating events take place on Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; all skating, popcorn and hot chocolate are free for those events.

"While our farm welcomes all abilities every day we set aside two days where the farm is quiet and spotlight our amazing children and families that would like more time seeing Santa!" said Stacey Soloviev, who helms the store.

And although all social distancing protocols are followed — masks must be worn at the farm, with 6-foot distances adhered to, hand sanitizer is available, and only 26 are allowed in the shop at one time — Santa Claus is back for photos in a shiny red truck outdoors on weekends.

"Please remember, masks must be worn in line but can be removed for the photo. Also, due to COVID, we cannot hold your camera to take photos so please bring someone with you if needed," Soloviev said.

Apple cider and popcorn are for sale outside, as well as s’mores kits for the fire.

Also this year, Santa's Christmas Tree Farm LI has a pop-up store at The Chequit on Shelter Island and at the farm stand at Peconic Bay Vineyards.

"We have beer, wine, oysters from Harvest Moon and cheese plates, as well as a fireplace and a great atmosphere," Soloviev said.

The ice rink has been a popular destination, she said. "Families are so happy to have a safe, outdoor activity," Soloviev said.

In addition, pets are always welcome for photos with Santa.

Reflecting on how it feels to provide holiday joy during an unprecedented time, Soloviev said: "It’s an amazing feeling to hear kids saying 'This is the best day ever!' Some families have been coming every day and say it’s a safe place for kids to be outside with other kids and have normalcy. I was very nervous going into this season because it is a big responsibility to control crowds and follow regulations but so far everyone has been so helpful and understanding and we really haven’t had any issues with people upset or not wanting to wear a mask, so that has been nice."

A longtime family tradition continued to thrive in Cutchogue when Santa's Christmas Tree Farm LI returned in 2019 under new ownership.

The farm, long owned by the Edson family, is now run by Soloviev, who told Patch that she is overjoyed to keep tradition alive on the North Fork. "I am so happy to be able to open because many families have come in saying they have been coming for 30 years and now they bring their children," she said. "Seeing the joy on everyone's face when they come to Santa's has made all the hard work worth it."

Soloviev added: "I have 11 children so Christmas is an exciting time at my house! My littlest kids say they work for Santa and love helping out at the farm."

Of the "Sensitive Santa" days, Soloviev said helping special needs' children is a cause close to her heart. "I'm very passionate about it," she said. She was the parent advocate on the committee for special education at John M. Marshall Elementary School in East Hampton, Soloviev said. "Some of my children had sensory integration and took a long time to adjust. We were asked to leave all groups, library groups, swim lessons, etc. So I built a handicapped playground at the JMMES to raise awareness that all children deserve to play."

After the playground was built, she said, change commenced, and new programs were created.

"I know what it's like to be scared to take a child somewhere where they might freak out, and being embarrassed. So I want parents to know there is a safe place where they can take all the time they need, and their kid can freak out without judgment," Soloviev said. "We are all in this together."

Santa's Christmas Tree Farm is located at 30105 Main Rd. in Cutchogue.

The shop is open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, at 9 a.m. on the weekends for trees, and at 10 a.m. on the weekend for the rink, bouncies, and Santa, she said.

Weekday hours for the shop are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the ice rink.