Santa's Top 10 Things Parents Need to Know

PHOTO: Santa visits with a child at Tyson’s Corner shopping center in Northern Virginia. Photo courtesy of Tyson’s Corner shopping center.

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Santa Claus is coming to town and in many cases, he’s already here, visiting shopping centers across the country so children can stop by and go over those all-important wish lists and grab a photo with Old St. Nick.

If you plan to take your child to visit Santa, he’s shared these tips with Patch that we’re passing along to make your visit extra special. (Remember to check with your specific shopping center elves to be sure these tips work for them too!)

Moms and dads are always asking me what they can do to have their child ready when they come to see me, so I’ve put together my top 10 list:

1. 1. The earlier you visit me in the season, the more time I’ll have to visit with you.
   2. The first 30 seconds on my lap are often the best opportunity for a great photo.
   3. For your child’s safety, parents should place their child in my arms.
   4. Make sure your child’s legs are positioned for the camera. They should never straddle my leg. Make sure both legs are placed together.
   5. Toddlers are often apprehensive when approaching me (and why not? I’m a star!) If your whole family joins me in the photo, fears are alleviated and great memories are captured!
   6. If your child doesn’t want to sit on my lap, you and your child are welcome to sit on my chair while I stand behind you for the photo.
   7. To delay tears, keep a toddler’s attention on you until you’ve placed the child in my lap. This allows my photographer the opportunity to take the photo. Alas, if tears spill, remember that makes a great memory too!
   8. If your child seems afraid, hand them to me backwards, keep eye contact and talk in a calm, reassuring voice as you back away from us.
   9. Please explain to your child that Santa needs to take a quick break now and again to feed my reindeer.
   10. As Christmas approaches, the lines will get longer. Please be patient as I want to create a magical moment for everyone who comes to see me!

Santa got some help with his list from the folks at the Noerr Programs Corporation.