Before Santa Arrives

Create clarity. Create calm. Create space for magic.

Before your visit, we’ll confirm names, ages, and any special considerations. These details allow Santa to personalize each moment naturally—so nothing feels forced, and everything feels just right.

If there are sensitivities, traditions, or family dynamics you’d like Santa to be aware of, sharing them in advance allows him to move with quiet awareness, intention, and care.

If your home hosts an Elf on the Shelf®, sharing their name and recent antics helps Santa continue your story seamlessly.

A smooth arrival begins with a few simple details. If your home requires gate access, alternate entrances, or special instructions, sharing them ahead of time ensures everything unfolds effortlessly. Designating one point of contact for Santa helps maintain that flow from the very first moment.

Preparing Your Home

A thoughtfully prepared space elevates every moment.

Santa’s chair becomes the natural center of the visit. A sturdy, straight-backed, armless chair—set at a comfortable height—allows Santa to interact naturally and safely with children. Avoid low, rolling, or overly soft seating so each moment feels steady and at ease.

From there, the setting helps shape the story. A softly lit space near your Christmas tree, a decorated wall, or a simple holiday vignette creates a warm, inviting backdrop. Natural light is beautiful, but avoid strong glare or reflections that can distract from the moment.

Comfort matters just as much as appearance. A slightly cooler room (around 68–70°) keeps Santa comfortable throughout the visit and ensures everything feels relaxed and unhurried.

Subtle background music—light, instrumental holiday selections—can gently enhance the atmosphere without competing for attention.

Finally, creating clear pathways allows Santa to move naturally through your home, keeping the visit flowing smoothly from one moment to the next.

Preparing Gifts (If Santa Will Present Them)

A simple, thoughtful approach allows gift-giving to feel natural, seamless, and memorable.

Gather all gifts into a single bag or container whenever possible. This allows Santa to move smoothly through the moment without interruption. If you’re using Santa’s sack, ensure items are secure and easy to retrieve.

Avoid gift bags whenever possible.

Gift bags tend to tip and spill once placed inside Santa’s sack—especially when multiple bags are layered together.

If you choose to use them, please seal them completely. A simple strip of tape across the top works perfectly and ensures everything stays exactly where it belongs.

Clean presentation matters. Avoid attaching loose items or decorations that may catch or slow the flow. Gifts should be easy to handle, easy to find, and easy to present.

Clarity is essential. Label each gift with large, easy-to-read names. Santa reads quickly and in motion—clear labeling ensures each child is recognized without pause or confusion.

For families with multiple children or guests, a few thoughtful extras can help ensure every child feels included. Even a small, beautifully wrapped item can make the moment feel complete.

Some families choose to open gifts during the visit, while others wait until Santa departs. Both approaches work beautifully—the right choice depends on the rhythm you want for your gathering.

Wherever gifts are placed, Santa will retrieve them with care, allowing the moment to unfold naturally and without disruption.

Santa’s Arrival

From the moment Santa arrives, the visit begins to take on its own natural rhythm.

Santa comes prepared—but he follows the children, not a script. Some visits unfold exactly as expected, while others find their flow within moments. That flexibility is part of what makes each experience feel personal and real.

Using children’s names naturally brings the moment to life. When Santa does it, it feels extraordinary—creating an immediate sense of connection and recognition.

A small detail that makes a big difference.

Adults are encouraged to use children’s names naturally. Children scarcely notice—but Santa does.

And when Santa uses a name moments later, it feels extraordinary.

As the visit continues, Santa adapts to the energy of the room. Some children are eager and full of questions, while others take a quieter approach. Both are welcomed, and each interaction is met with patience, warmth, and understanding.

Parents and caregivers play a quiet but important role—offering reassurance when needed, while allowing space for natural interaction to unfold. Santa mirrors the energy around him, creating a moment that feels comfortable for everyone involved.

Photos happen best when they’re not forced. As children relax and engage, those moments naturally present themselves—resulting in images that feel genuine and unhurried.

Concluding the Visit

A graceful departure preserves the illusion.

As the visit comes to a close, Santa will naturally guide the final moments—whether through a story, a blessing, or one last photograph. Each ending is shaped to the rhythm of your gathering, allowing the experience to feel complete rather than abrupt.

Parents and caregivers can support this transition by allowing the moment to settle. Once Santa steps outside, giving the space a brief pause helps preserve the magic—allowing the experience to linger just a little longer.

These final moments are often the ones that stay with children most.

A Final Thought

Every Santa and You visit is bespoke—crafted in real time, shaped by the energy of your home, and made meaningful through thoughtful preparation.

These small considerations allow Santa to focus on what matters most—creating a moment your family will carry forward, long after the season has passed.