Parent Tips For Visiting Santa With Kids: How To Make Photo Memories, Not Nightmares

If you’re a parent who had ever tried to get that “ideal” photo of your kids during a visit to Santa Claus at your local mall, you know it’s no easy feat. Help to ensure that your 2016 Santa experience is one for the memories instead of the nightmares with these simple tips.

According to the Noerr Programs Corporation, which deploys more than 300 professional Santas across the nation during each holiday season, one of the best tips is to try to arrange your visit early in the holiday season, when Old Saint Nick will have more time to spend with each child.

“As Christmas approaches, the lines will get longer,” the company states on its website.

In addition, the first 30 seconds on Santa’s lap are often the best opportunity for a great photo, the company claims.

Other tips include:

• For the child’s safety, parents should place their child in Santa’s arms
• Make sure your child’s legs are positioned for the camera. They should never straddle Santa’s leg. Make sure both legs are placed together.
• Toddlers are often apprehensive when approaching Santa… If the whole family joins the child in the photo, fears are alleviated and great memories are captured.

DO A DRY RUN AND KEEP THE KIDS FED

Parenting.com suggests that guardians of children visiting Santa for a photo do a “dry run” and let their boy or girl get a glimpse of Saint Nick from a distance before their up-close encounter.

Parents should also make sure their child isn’t going to see Santa hungry.

“Snacks and toys are key,” Parenting.com suggests. “Hungry kids are likelier to act out.”

DRESS COMFORTABLY

LifestylesMagazine.com recommends if you dress your children in comfortable clothing and shoes, it could pay big dividends during a Santa visit.

“The goal is to look nice for the photo, but not at the expense of the children’s comfort level,” the report states.

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE

Baby-Chick.com suggests that parents should let their child watch as they greet and hug Santa first.

“Sit next to Santa for a moment so your child understands you are signaling this is a ‘safe’ situation,” the publication recommends. “Call your child onto your lap. Place your child on the far knee, away from Santa, using you as a safety buffer between your child and Santa.”

• See related article: 'Strip Club' Santa Display Is Back Despite Angry Shoppers
• See related article: Short Hills Mall Set To Debut ‘Immersive Santa Experience’ For Christmas 2016

Photo: Flickr Commons, Joel Kramer