Preparing Kids for a Visit With Santa
Tips for Getting the Best Holiday Photo With Children and Mr. Claus
Nov 11, 2009
Kids can react in all sorts of ways when it comes to visiting Santa Claus. Read on for ways to prepare children for the big event so they can feel more comfortable with the jolly old elf at the mall.
Get Kids Used to the Idea of Visiting Santa
If it is a child’s first time to go visit Santa, it’s a good idea to let the child see what he or she is up for. Take the child to the mall so he or she can see other kids wait in line and get their photo with Santa. Parents can also talk about when they were kids and how they got their picture with Santa. If there are any of those photographs of parents with Santa still around, show them to the child. If the whole Santa concept is still in the works for a child, then tell stories, read books and watch videos about Santa.
Work With Child’s Schedule When Going to See Santa
For younger children and babies, it is best to go when they will be at their best. Pick a time that is well before nap time and right after the child has eaten his or her breakfast or lunch. It’s best to have a well-rested and full-bellied kid to wait in line to see and get his or her photo with Santa. Hungry and tired kids don’t fare as well at picture-taking time. Having some snacks and drinks handy during the wait to see Santa can also be a good idea.
Talk to Child about What’s Going On
While standing in the line to see Santa, talk to kids about what is going on and what to do when they go sit with Santa. Remember it’s an event that only happens once a year, and for some this will be the first time, so it can seem intimidating to know what to do or how to react.
Sitting With Santa Claus
When the time comes to sit with Santa, be prepared for anything. A child might settle right in and chat with Santa and take a fabulous photo. Or a child might feel shy and need some encouragement. Parents can smile and talk with Santa and the child, letting the child know he or she is supported. Kids may not want to sit on Santa’s lap and that’s totally okay. This is a stranger after all! Children can sit beside him or stand beside him if they feel more comfortable.
Make it a Family Photo With Santa
For some children who are reluctant to go sit with Santa, parents should be ready to go sit with them. Be positive and make it a fun family photo. There isn't a better a good way to role model how to sit with Santa than by having mom by doing it herself. Kids may prefer to sit in a parent’s lap or stand in front of their parents.
Save Photos With Santa for Next Week or Next Year
Each child is unique and not everyone warms to strangers right away. It’s totally normal for kids to feel strange or not feel comfortable with sitting with Santa. The idea behind getting a photo with Santa is for it to be a positive experience, not a traumatizing one. So if it’s proving to be too stressful for the child (and possibly the parent!), be relaxed about saying good-bye to Santa. Come back in a few days or leave it until next year when the child is a year older.
Visiting Santa for the first time can be a big event for a small child. Prepare a child by letting him or her watch other children visiting with Santa and talking about the process of a Santa visit. Arrange a visit at a time that a child would be well fed and rested, and reassure him or her and talk about what is happening as everyone waits in line to see Kris Kringle. Let the child decide where he or she wants to stand or sit around Santa, and have a family photo including parents if that makes a child feel more comfortable. Also, if a child really doesn’t want a photo, respect his or her wishes and come back another time.
For more tips, check out Visiting Santa at the Mall With the Kids and Tips for Taking Best Holiday Photos of Kids.
HOL101
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