Every child is different. The thought of a visit with Santa can be exciting or intimidating. Here are some tips that will help prepare your child and you for getting the most out of your Santa Experience.

1. Start Preparing Early

Don't wait until the day before your session to start talking to your kids. Be sure to tell them step by step what to expect. They will arrive and may have to wait a minute or two for their turn etc.  

2. Talk about Santa

Talk to your child about their visit with Santa and let them know how all the kids are excited to see Santa! Help them to make a list of what they want Santa to bring them this year. Encourage them to ask Santa questions. I bet they have lots of questions about the elves and the reindeer. It is absolutely ok for them to ask. This encourages conversation with Santa! And Santa will have the answers!

3. Books and Movies

Read books about Santa and watch movies together. Talk about Santa while you are doing this. I know it is early to be watching holiday shows but this will help get them excited about their visit. 

4. Repetition is the key!

Children love hearing positive things over and over. The more you talk about Santa the easier it will be the day of your session. 

Again, planning in advance is always a good idea. Here are a few tips on what to wear for great images. I change my backdrop out almost every year. You are always welcome to ask me what it looks like in advance so you can plan outfits.

1. Will Your Child Wear It?

Always pick an outfit that your child is excited to wear. It is hard to get a smile out of a kiddo that is uncomfortable or unhappy to be dressed in something they don't like. You may not want to give them full authority to pick whatever they want, but you can give them choice and let them be part of the process.

2. Dose It Fit?

This may sound like a no brainer, but seriously try the outfit on your child before coming in to see Santa. Too big is easier to deal with than too small, but for great pictures your child's clothes need to fit.

3. Pajamas VS Regular Clothes

This one is totally up to you! I love both ideas. I would stay with a Christmas theme with the pajamas if that is what you decide on. 

4. Should My Kids Match?

Again, this is up to you. I would say that you do not have to match but if you have multiple children they should at least coordinate. You do not want one child in a Christmas t shirt and jeans and one all dressed up. Or only one out of three in a Christmas outfit. 

5. Should We Be Dressed Up?

You are paying a little more to have a private Santa photo session, they are meant to be keepsakes for years to come, so my answer would be that although you don't have to be dressed up, you should pick something nice. Plan what the kids are going to wear same as you would for picture day at school.

6. Dress Yourself Too!

I cannot state this strongly enough! Please make sure you are picture ready also. You may not want a picture with Santa, and you may not be in the pictures but if you have a child who may be shy or scared of Santa it might be the only way to get a good picture. Better to be prepared. And of course I will always do a family picture with Santa if that is what you would like!

Every parent or grandparent want that perfect picture of their child on Santa's lap. Sometimes that is just not going to happen no matter how much you have prepared or how excited they are prior to the session. But do not fear! Santa and I are prepared for this because it happens every year. We have lots of tricks to help.

1. Santa has all kinds of cool things with him that will engage your child, like books and magic tricks.

2. We can have your child hand a toy or present to Santa and that makes a super cute picture.

3. Your child can have a cookie with Santa.

4. The child can sit on a bench next to Santa or on your lap with Santa standing behind and out of sight.

5. Honestly, crying pictures can be really cute and fun to look back on. Do not stress! I will get great images for you.