YAKIMA -- This morning, Santa muted the Christmas carols and cleared the halls of the Yakima Valley Mall to allow children with special sensitivities to have their calm one-on-one photo opps.

Crowds, loud music and flashing lights is pretty normal for some people.

However, for others, it can be scary and uncomfortable.

Prior to the mall opening today, kids with autism and other sensitivities were able to come in and hangout with Santa today with no interruptions while they take memorable photos.

This is the eighth year they've done this.

Mall Marketing manager Jacob Butler says they usually have about 20 to 30 kids come to take part. "It's such an important program to have in the area. It's for kids who have sensory sensitivity so whether that's you know, sounds or get overwhelmed with a lot of people in the area, we're able to really you know, calm things down, slow things down, really have that one-on-one experience with Santa and these kids. Where these families might not have been able to have that experience before."

If you missed this weekend's chance to visit with Santa silently, you have one more opportunity next Sunday, December 4th, from 8:00 - 10:00am.

You can register online here.