Here’s proof that the magic of Santa Claus is as real as it gets, no matter how old you are.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the one above turned out to be so much more for Naomi Johnson, a mother of a boy with autism in Grandville, MI.
Like most little kids, Landon Johnson was beyond excited to meet Santa Claus at Rivertown Crossings mall this December. However, Landon’s experience ended up far from average and his amazing story has quickly gone viral.
In the following video, Naomi Johnson tells CNN how while she was waiting for her son’s Christmas photo on Santa’s lap to finish printing, she turned around to find Landon back with the man in red.
The mom instantly worried her autistic son was bothering Santa, until she realized what they were talking about.
Landon returned to Kris Kringle to confess a deep, dark fear, something every kid thinks about on occasion. He worried that because of his behavior due to autism, he would be put on Santa’s Naughty List.
That’s when five simple words changed the 6-year-old’s life forever. “It’s ok to be you” Santa told Landon, reassuring that his holiday idol loves him no matter what.
Naomi Johnson was moved immensely when she saw Santa massaging her son’s hands to calm him down, realizing he was anxious.
Much like this Father Christmas who went the extra mile to bond with a non-verbal autistic boy, the Johnson’s story has touched thousands thanks to the power of social media.
The grateful mom posted a photo of the Santa going above and beyond the call of duty to the mall’s Facebook page, praising the man in red. The next day, she woke up to about 12,000 notifications of people reacting to the powerful image.
I had an AMAZING experience w the Santa at the RiverTown Crossings Mall and I want to share my story with you:My child…
Posted by Naomi Johnson on Sunday, December 6, 2015
“Christmas is about love and joy and that’s what I try to bring to all the children and people that I meet here.” Santa tells CNN in the following video. “It’s an honest pleasure to do that.”
[Featured Image: CNN]
Please SHARE this amazing story with your friends on Facebook to spread the love this holiday season!