With my 4th year of Santa Mini Sessions upon us, I've seen it ALL and I wanted to share some tips for a successful Santa Session! First, I would like to say that "success" comes in many forms, and each session is unique because, well, each child is unique! Each year as we approach Santa Minis, lots of my mama clients experience some anxiety about how their children will do when face-to-face with Santa. The overall takeaway from this is to not put too much pressure on yourself or your kiddos for the PERFECT photoshoot. I hope this article will help ease your mind and give you some ways to best prepare for your session!
Tip #1
Hype up the big guy!
This should be an exciting and positive experience! Read a Santa book with your kids, or even have them watch some tv shows starring Santa! And if they're old enough to understand, I would recommend having a conversation with them about what to expect on the day of their session. As parents, it's our job to paint the picture, set the scene! Tell them that on session day, one of your "friends" named Ashley (me) will take some pictures of them with Santa, and that they can ask him anything they want! Let them feel like they're in charge, tell them they can choose to sit with him, show him their wish list, bring a special toy or book for him to read to them, whatever they want! This is their day!
Tip #2
Bribe, Bribe, Bribe
Prepare for all the bribes. The word "no" should not be in your vocabulary this day. Promise to go get ice cream after their session if they do a good job, or go to Target and pick out a new toy, nothing is off the table! Within reason of course :)
Tip #3
Don't discipline on session day!
There are plenty of times to discipline your children for unfavorable behavior, but session day is NOT one of them. Not only does this create a lasting negative impression for future photoshoots, but this will also make them even more hesitant towards Santa in the future. Instead, we let the kiddos lead the session. If they want to walk slowly up to Santa, or hide behind a chair, or even scream and cry, that's totally fine! My job is to capture them in their current stage, so whether they're smiling or screaming, I'll make sure to document your children authentically!
Tip #4
Bring something special
Sometimes when kiddos are doing something a little scary like meeting THE Santa Claus, it helps if they bring a special item they want to show him. Something that makes them feel safe and comfortable. This can be a stuffed animal, small toy, or a book. I've even had a few clients bring bubbles so the kids can blow bubbles with Santa (this made for the CUTEST photos!)
And of course, have them make a wish list to give to Santa!
Tip #5
Just go with it
If all else fails, just go with it! Remember, no matter if your child loves their Santa experience or if they are totally freaked out, it will be a memory to look back on and see their growth from year to year!
Tip #6
Older Kiddos
Ok, this one is near and dear to my heart because my son is now 8, and for the last 2 Christmas seasons when he was 6 and 7 he's started to have his doubts which totally terrifies me. I'm not ready for the gig to be up! He's too little! So if this is you, I'm hoping that after their session with the BEST Santa ever, their doubts will fade. I'm telling you, he has an answer for everything! Over the years, he has met with thousands of children of all ages, and there isn't a question he hasn't come across from those curious older kiddos. In fact, last year I had a client with 7 year old twins who was so nervous going into their session for this exact reason. After her session, she took the time to message me letting me know that they were totally back on the train, and that they couldn't believe they actually met the REAL Santa! This filled my mama heart with such joy!
