Signing Santa

While this doesn't exactly apply to most Signing Smart families, I thought you might still find it interesting to know about some of the opportunities out there for families who sign as a means of communication due to a hearing or speech loss.

Did you know that Santa Claus sometimes talks with his hands?! Each year, I have heard more and more stories similar to the one below, and I love that it's a spreading trend!

If you're in the right place at the right time, you might notice Santa receiving the wish lists of children not through shy whispers from a child leaned in close but through excited, flying hands. Across the country, more and more signing Santas are appearing. The jolly elf, fluent in ASL, is delighting parents and children alike by allowing signing families to share their Christmas wishes with him directly.

Here are some local news stories that represent just a couple of he signing Santa experiences out there. I hope they warm your heart this cold winter day! I think the pictures and videos are the best part!

 Canton, Ohio

 Fairfax, VA

 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

 Austin, TX

What special holiday traditions have you been starting with your little signer?