Tips for a Great Santa Visit
We want Santa’s visit to be very very special. Here are a few tips to help make your Santa visit merry.
Special Requests – this is your visit
Santa will do all in his power to make it special for you and your guests; Please let him know your wishes in advance so he can be prepared. Please provide a cell phone number of someone at the event who will have it on. Santa will call ten minutes before he arrives.
Designate A Helper
To coordinate arrival, parking, presents to be carried in by Santa, his entrance, seating, and the introduction of children (don’t forget to send Santa a list of names).
Reserve Parking
Santa is a senior, his suit is hot even in December, a short walk insures a fresh arrival. Have someone outside to meet Santa – to show him the way and to load toys into his sack if needed. Have Gifts Ready – labeled, (Please use a sharpie marker on the wrapping paper easy to read as labels tend to fall off in Santa’s bag). Additional or over sized gifts can be brought to Santa by the helper or pre-placed beside his chair. Plan it so Santa can make a “Grand Entrance” – Have everyone participating in a common task (singing.)
Check Location
An interesting background such as Christmas tree, un-lit fire place, Christmas cards, wreath or nativity scene makes photos more memorable. Leave room around Santa’s chair for others to gather for group photos. Make sure lighting is adequate for Santa to read the Christmas story and package names. Place Santa’s Chair so it has a great holiday background for photos. Leave room behind for group photos
Cameras Ready
Batteries fully charged, lots of film, tape, or disks available.
The Visit
Most visits last for an hour or less. The number of children present determines what Santa can do and how long he can spend with each one.
Santa’s Departure
Usually after the gifts are opened the children’s interest shift from Santa to what they received. Once the “Magic” of Santa’s presence has worn off it’s time for him to depart. Keep the children together and occupied to give Santa a few minutes for his departure. Place payment in a Christmas Card or envelope so you don’t have to hand Santa a check or cash and risk a child witnessing the transaction.