Preparing the setting
  • Have a parking space near the entrance for Santa.  Santa will stop and chat with anyone he meets on his way to the event.  
  • Select a sturdy, comfortable chair for Santa.  Remember, there will be kids of all ages who will sit on Santa’s lap.  Chairs like living room or dining room table chairs work well. No folding or collapsible chairs for everyone’s safety.
  • Find a good background that’s not cluttered and is festive. Such as trees fireplace with stockings and twinkle lights work well. No mirrors or windows should be in the background, as they will reflect light and not make good pictures. Remember, the backgrounds will be in the pictures forever.
Timing
  • Make sure the kids are well fed and rested before Santa arrives. Sugar crashes are powerful forces.
  • Allow for a buffer so no one’s rushed. Holiday magic works best unrushed.
  • Schedule Santa to arrive after all the Guests have arrived. This will allow Santa to make a grand entrance.
Logistics
  • If Santa is handing out gifts, please have them ready and labeled.
  • If Santa’s bringing them in his sack, we will need to arrange a place for Santa to retrieve them.  A designated person may want to meet with Santa outside the event.
  • Keep the wrapping paper, scissors, and other gift wrapping items well hidden.
  • Ensure that the names are legible on the gifts.  
  • Assign one adult as Santa’s helper to manage photos, music, cues, and gift giving.

Santa Prep
  • Share each child’s name, age, and any fun details with Santa in advance.  We will provide a sheet with the typical questions we would ask for either a home visit to make the visit memorable.
  • Work with us to create a story.  Will Santa arrive mysteriously? Walk in the front door? Sneak in after the jingling of bells?  Have everyone focus on the front, and Santa arrives from the back door.
  • If the children ask why Santa is arriving by car/truck, Santa will explain that the ” Federal Aviation Administration” (FAA) only allows Santa to fly on Christmas Eve.  For the safety of the reindeer and the people in airplanes. 
During the visit
  • Keep cameras handy for candid moments, not just the posed ones.
  • Let the children take their time as some may warm up to Santa slowly. It’s important not to pressure them into engaging if they’re not ready. With patience, Santa will attempt to make all the children feel included and excited!
  • Keep pets in another room if they’re excitable. Santa loves all pets, but not a shredded suit.
  • Before Santa departs, he would like to have a group photo.  Please have someone organize the photo and a method for taking the photo.  This is often an overlooked photo opportunity.
After Santa Departs
  • Be ready with small distractions such as cookies, hot cocoa, or activities to keep the magic flowing.
  • If gifts were given, encourage the kids to savor opening them slowly, not all at once.