The Claus Couple

What to Expect from Your Visit from Santa Claus
Every visit is different, but here are some things you might expect:
• A special entrance from Santa
• Meet and greet
• Photo opportunities
• “Chair time” with children of all ages
• Q and As with Santa
• Performances such as singing, storytelling, reading The Night Before Christmas (or book of choice)
• Handing out gifts
• A hearty goodbye and magical exit

Faithful Volunteer | Husband | Graduate of the Santa and the Business of being Santa (SatBobs) | Member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IBRBS) | Member of the Texas State Santas (TSS) | Member of the Lone Star Santas (LSS) | Retired Army | Has played for the New Orleans Breakers in the United States Football League (USFL) |

Having Santa come to your home is a wondrous thing for young and old alike. Here are some quick tips to making this the very best party or visit possible.
1. Make certain Santa has an assigned contact who will have their phone on (and charged), just in case. This contact person should check their phone regularly.
2. If there are any pets who might be over-excited by a big guy in a fur-trimmed suit, it might be best for them to relax elsewhere, in a closed room.
3. You will want to have all your cameras and devices ready and charged.
4. Where should Santa sit for photos? Well, Santa’s suit is pretty warm, so not too close to fireplaces. It is also helpful to seat Santa away from large reflective surfaces (like mirrors and glass doors). We don’t want flash bounce to ruin your pictures.
5. Santa will probably need a helper or two. Santa True will send you information on just how those assistants can help out.
6. Coordination is important. It could be awkward for Santa to show up in the middle of a meal or when someone has just run to the store for some more eggnog. Please have someone who will bring everyone together, to be ready when Santa shows up.
7. In many people’s minds, Santa usually comes down the chimney. But if he’s arriving by car, you need to have a specially reserved parking spot for him. An easy way to do this is to have one of the cars in the driveway pulled all the way back (closest to the street). When Santa arrives, the Helper pulls this car forward and Santa pulls in behind him. Make certain Santa has all of the security information, if you live in a gated community.
8. Speaking of cars and reindeer, it’s not unusual for children to want to follow Santa out. Be ready to have a distraction to pull the kids away, after you hear him call out, “Happy Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night!”
9. Seating is important. A sturdy, straight back, dining room chair will often do fine. You can decorate around it and even put it next to your Christmas Tree. But people will need to have easy access around it. And we don’t want any gifts to be trampled.

Taking Photos with Santa Claus
• Charge your batteries. Have all your cameras and smartphones ready, fully charged, connected to wi-fi, and prepared before the event begins.
• Take photos first. Try to get the photos done early in the event. You’ll have time to get everything you want and folks are still fresh with the wonder of the visit. Then you can relax and just visit!
• Photos with pets. Santa is usually good with pets, but if you want photos with pets, there should be a lap blanket and plenty of advanced notice. If Santa has to visit someone else that day who is allergic to pets, he might not be able to hold your pet for the photo. Instead, he will ask you to hold them and stand or sit nearby.

Santa Claus Reminders
• Santa is not likely to tell children they are on the naughty list, even if you ask him to.
• Santa is not likely to eat or drink, beyond a few nibbles or sips. A bottle of water is always welcome. However, it might be difficult to keep a beard pristine and white gloves stain easily.
• Santa will not accept any drink that is alcoholic. Remember, he has to drive the sleigh.
Lastly, if you really enjoy the visit, please leave a great review and give referrals. And if possible, send Santa any photos that can be shared. That way, you help support the Arts and make even more Christmas magic possible for those in your community!