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Posted on 12/23/2025 6:17:15 PM PST by Morgana
A special Santa Claus is touching hearts and bringing an extra dose of holiday cheer to children with Down Syndrome in metro Atlanta.
Last year, the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta decided they wanted to give participants at their annual holiday party the chance to see a Santa Claus who looked like them. That's where Bradley Carlisle stepped in.
Carlisle, 36, lives independently in an apartment in Dunwoody. Donning the classic red suit and white beard, his debut left some families who attended the event crying happy tears, the nonprofit said.
"It was magical," one parent said. "For our kids to see Santa and realize he looked like them—it meant more than words can express."
Bradley will be back this year to spread holiday joy and give attendees the chance to see themselves reflected in the face of Saint Nick.
"We are so proud of Bradley and what his presence as Santa means for our community," DSAA Executive Director Sheryl Arno said. "He shows that joy, kindness, and Christmas spirit truly know no limits."
The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta Holiday Party begins at 10 a.m. on Dec. 13 at ChristChurch Presbyterian on Peachtree Street.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
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That is pretty cool...I like it...:)
Reminds me of this little guy and his sister from 7 years ago. Wondering how they are doing now.
https://youtu.be/RySM_r5jWH8?si=1JQ-pE5duYU0xhao
🥹 Merry Christmas to all those sweet children. 🎀🎄
Yep.
Probably a wonderful Santa.
I worked as a fundraiser for The Exceptional Children’s Foundation in LA where
Downs kids were taught basic life skills like dressing themselves right, basic manners, and some were terrific artists.
The “kids”, a couple as old as 18, were adorable, though one teenager appeared at my office door and schreeched like an eagle at me, his method of talking. . He was hjandsome enough to be in movies, and, in fact, many Hwood people were big donors, Sammy Davis, Jr for one.
So a Downs Santa will olmost certainly be great.
When I first got to Keesler AFB in 1985, the base was (still is) hosting the “Special Olympics”...worked it for a number of years, and it was always very rewarding...
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