Santa, boy with autism form heartwarming friendship

PINE LAKE, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - It has been said Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year as we create special memories with our loved ones.

Like, capturing the twinkle in a child's eye when he meets Jolly Old Saint Nick. For Shannon Goad of  Pine Lake that moment came when she brought her 6-month-old baby Zane to the mall to visit Santa Claus. But this visit was a special one.

"We found the most beautiful Santa we had ever seen," Goad said. "The picture and the visit went so well I felt connected to the Real Black Santa, which made us want to go back next year."

Zane has autism and at times showing affection or even being in long lines can be daunting, but with this Santa something magical happened.

"Zane wanted to be near him and just sit in his lap and be a kid at Christmas," Goad said. "It's a beautiful story and lesson to see. Santa doesn't see disability and Zane sees no color.”

The two formed a beautiful bond – defying expectations and breaking barriers.

"I think he's an amazing young man," Santa said. "Watching him grow for the last 10 seasons, it's amazing to me."

If Zane isn't feeling well, guess who makes house calls? Santa! And not just during Christmas but Saint Nick checks in on Zane throughout the year. This chance encounter was made to order and destined to last a lifetime.