Hints and Tips 

Designate a Helper:
A helper coordinates arrival, parking, presents to be carried, Santa’s grand entrance, and his seating. Santa will call when he is about ten minutes away from arriving. That’s the cue for the helper to go outside to meet Santa.

The helper can coordinate the children as they each visit Santa. Every child should have an individual moment with Santa. Santa will try to engage shy children, but realizes that some children can be nervous.

Reserve a special parking spot for Santa:
If the visit is at your home, leave an opening at end of your driveway. Put a temporary barrier in the space. Have some fun and put a sign out “Reserved for Santa!”

Have your gifts ready to go:
Santa can bring his gorgeous BIG bag of presents for children or guests. If you would like him to distribute your gifts, please make sure they are labeled directly on the package, easy to read, and all fit into a 30-35 gallon size bag.

Quantity of gifts:
If individual gifts are to be handed out by Santa, there should be a gift provided for EVERY child present at the event.

The Visit:
The number of children present determines what Santa can do and how long he can spend with each one. 

Have a sturdy chair for Santa:
A straight-back dining chair with no arms works well. Santa should be able to sit comfortably with the chair supporting him plus a child on each knee.

Pick a great location:
An interesting background such as Christmas tree, Christmas cards, wreath or nativity scene makes photos more memorable. Leave room around Santa’s chair for others to gather for group photos.

Santa needs to stay cool:
Please turn the thermostat down to 65°.

Santa is wearing a heavy suit trimmed with fur. Having a small fan placed near where he is to sit does wonders! Please, no fireplaces!

Think about photos with everyone:
Santa will want to take pictures with everyone at the party, including adults, grandparents, and teenagers.

Some ideas:

• For teens, don’t worry; Santa can stand up for a “buddy” photo.

• Take a photo with Santa & Grandma hugging.

• Santa can be drinking milk with Grandpa.

• Babies can be sleeping aside a napping Santa.

• Burly husband? Santa and Dad can be studying woodworking tools.

Santa loves pets:
Santa will gladly take pictures with pets. He may want a towel placed on his lap to avoid pet hair getting on the suit.

Santa stays in character:
Please always address Santa as “Santa.” Treat Santa Greg as the real Santa Claus. Please help keep the wonder of Christmas for your children and others.

Santa will not lift any child:
Parents should place and remove children.

No smoking around Santa:
Santa prefers not to be around cigarette, e-cig or cigar smoke. It smells up his suit for his other visits.

His 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 exit.

Payments:
If there is a payment due to Santa place it inside a Christmas card or envelope. It never looks appropriate when someone gives cash to Santa. As Santa is departing, hand him the envelope and say, “Thank you Santa, and here is a Christmas card from all of us”.