Charity
WATCH St Gabriel’s Foundation Spreads Joy at its Magical Sensory-Friendly Christmas Party
St Gabriel’s Foundation was filled with sparkle, smiles, and seasonal magic as families came together for the annual Sensory-Friendly Christmas Children’s Party on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 for a heart-warming celebration designed especially for children with disabilities. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
St Gabriel’s was filled with sparkle, smiles, and seasonal magic for its annual Sensory-Friendly Christmas Children’s Party
St Gabriel’s was filled with sparkle, smiles, and seasonal magic as families came together for the annual Sensory-Friendly Christmas Children’s Party on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 for a heart-warming celebration designed especially for children with disabilities.
The centre was transformed into a cosy festive wonderland, where twinkling lights, gentle music from Music Generation , and a calm atmosphere made it possible for every child to enjoy the enchantment of Christmas at their own pace. Families were welcomed to meet Santa and Mrs Claus in a setting where there was no rush, no pressure — just pure Christmas joy.
This cherished annual event continues to shine thanks to the generous support of DELL and Christmas FM. Their support helps St Gabriel’s create a magical environment where every child can feel included and celebrated during the lead up to Christmas.
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Treasa McAuliffe, CEO of St Gabriel’s, spoke about the impact of the celebration, saying, “This party is one of the most special days of the year for us. For many families, Christmas outings can be overwhelming — but here, children can experience the wonder of meeting Santa in a space designed just for them.
“Seeing relaxed smiles, happiness, excitement, and families making treasured memories reminds us how important inclusive festive moments truly are.”
Parents attending the event expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity. One mother shared, “Being able to meet Santa without any stress is such a gift. We didn’t feel rushed, the children were completely at ease, and we even got a beautiful family photo — something we rarely manage! We are after having a lovely morning here and we will take those memories home with us.”
Sherley Birdthistle, Clinical Speech and Language Therapist, said, “We have a very special Santa Claus who comes to us, and Mrs Claus. We have a sensory-friendly setup where children can come and take their time and play with the different toys, and the staff and the elves have skills to be able to help them feel comfortable, not be rushed, and grab that precious Santa photo.”
Filled with warmth, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness, the St. Gabriel’s Sensory-Friendly Christmas Children’s Party continues to be a highlight of the festive season for families connected with St Gabriel’s. The organisation remains dedicated to creating joyful, inclusive experiences for children.
If you would like to see more of the work St Gabriel’s do, please visit their website.
Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
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