Signing Santa Is All Ears For Children With Hearing Challenges

DENVER (CBS4)- Santa Claus gave some children with special needs a chance to relay their gift list in their own unique way.

"I'm deaf and Santa understands our language. So Santa and I can understand each other," said one child.

Signing Santa Claus visited the Cherry Creek Mall on Wednesday. It's a tradition that dates back nearly two decades.

"Santa can understand you," said another child.

Santa took his seat in the Ice Palace and visited with each child by signing.

"Last year there were two little boys who asked me how I knew sign language and I told them that I had two elves who were deaf and they showed Santa and you should have seen the look on their faces... there are deaf elves! And that was my favorite moment," said Santa.

The first part of the day was reserved for school children who are hearing impaired. They came bearing lists of gifts and a smile when they realized that this Santa could communication with them.

"I think it's very encouraging for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to see a role model that can speak the language that they know," said one parent.

Signing Santa will be at the Cherry Creek Mall Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.