Best Way to Visit Santa at the Mall
How to Have a Stress-Free Photo With Kris Kringle and the Kids
Nov 11, 2009
Seeing Santa at the mall is a sign that Christmas is on the way and kids are excited to get to tell the jolly old elf what they want for Christmas this year. But sometimes the reality of standing in a one-hour lineup and kids missing their nap time can make the experience less than joyous. Read on for ways to make time with Santa fun and relaxing this year.
Call the Mall to Get Details About Santa’s Visit
Call the malls in the neighborhood and find out the details of Santa Claus’ photo shoots. Ask about Santa’s schedule and times for the week. Santa may not be available everyday and have a number of breaks during the days he is there. Also find out what kind of photo opportunity this is. Some are pay by donation and a family gets only one or two photos. Others cost more and families can choose from a number of photo and CD packages. Choose the Kris Kringle that is offering what the family is looking for.
Ask Around to Find Out Where the Best Santa is
It’s also a good idea to talk to friends, family and neighbors about where they go to get their Santa photos done or if they have gone this year yet. Not all store Santas are created equal. Need a Santa with a real beard or is a fake beard fine enough? How good is this Santa with kids? Some have that special wink and nod that make the whole process easier, and others can verge on being put on the naughty list.
Go Early to Get Photos With Santa and the Kids
Call the malls or check their website near the end of October or early November. Find out what day is the first day that Santa will be taking photos. The first day is often the best day because a lot of people don’t realize he’ll be there. Nowadays a lot of malls have Santa come in around mid-November, so if a family can’t make it on the first day, at least aim for sometime in November to avoid the long lineups. Going early in the morning also tends to avoid the rush because many people like to sleep in on weekends. And if possible, go on a weekday instead of a weekend.
Dealing With the Long Santa Lineup
Sometimes it just can’t be helped and families have a long wait to see the jolly old elf. Cope with it by having both parents, or a friend or family member, come along so that one adult can hold the spot in line and the other can take a child or two out for a stroll if they are getting antsy or need to go to the bathroom. While waiting in the line, keep kids occupied by playing stationary games like “I Spy” and finding different things in the nearby vicinity that start with each letter of the alphabet. Bring things they can stand and entertain themselves with like an iPod to listen to music, a book to read or a toy like a mini Etcha-a-Sketch. It’s also a good idea to bring some drinks and snacks.
Make the visit with Santa at the mall the best it can be by finding out the details of Santa’s arrival, going as early in the season as possible and asking friends and family for their Santa recommendations. Go early in the morning and/or a weekday, and if there is a lineup make sure two adults go so that one person can take the child for a walk or a visit to the bathroom if needed while the other saves their spot.
Read on for tips on How to Prepare Kids for a Visit With Santa and Tips for Taking Best Holiday Photos of Kids.
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