Santa John

Preparing for Santa’s Visit

Here are a few hints that make the visit from Santa something special. This list was given to me by SantaBill a while ago and was created based on years of experience. Remember-this is supposed to be FUN!

Parking: Reserve a special parking place for Santa, perhaps with parking cones. Have some fun and put a special sign up “Reserved for Santa” or “Elves Only”
Staying in Contact: Keep a phone or text avenue open so Santa can make his final arrangements
Participation: If you want Santa to join in singing songs or leading a theme, please send him what you want him to do at least a few days before the event
Special Guests: If you have a guest of honor or special child, please send information that Santa can use such as the favorite pet name or what they like in school.
Gifts: Have your gifts wrapped and well labeled. Big print preferable. If Santa is to bring in presents, please have them in a large bag before he enters. Maximum size is generally a 55 Gallon bag, but Santa will work with you.
The Grand Entrance: Get everyone together before Santa enters.At the right moment, Santa can come in and join everyone in the fun. The more dramatic, the better (boats, trucks, helicopter....)
Santa’s Helpers (Elves!): If you have a large group of children or the logistics are complicated, you should assign someone to be Santa’s Helper. There is nothing better than a good elf, especially one who announces the name of the children!
Setting the Scene: Place Santa’s chair near your Christmas Tree or in a festive setting with plenty of light. It has been proven to be best not to have glass windows behind the jolly old elf. A fireplace (without flames) with stockings hung with care works very well.
Water: a bottle of water is always appreciated by Santa
Seating: Have a sturdy armless chair for Santa to sit in. A good straight-back dining room chair works well
Photos: If you don’t have a professional photographer, be sure your camera is charged up and have plenty of memory cards available. It works best to assign photographer duties to someone who realy likes to photograph people. Be sure there is plenty of light so you can see the children’s faces well.
Sharing: Share your photos with SantaJohn and your friends. Its fun to show your friends how much fun it is to be around Santa
Spread the Word: The more, the merrier at Christmas events!
The Departure: Reindeer get pretty nervous when left alone too long. Think about how to make Santa’s departure a memorable one.