I am an elf.
Well, I’m a lot of things, really. Mom, wife, writer, editor, podcaster, storyteller…Along with these, I’m also Holly the elf, Santa’s helper at the Riverbanks Zoo Wild Lights every year. (I’m also Santa’s favorite elf. Just ask him. He’ll tell you.).
Working as Santa’s helper, I see a LOT of things when parents bring their kiddos to meet him every year. A lot. And I’m not just talking about crying babies.
Most of what happens at pictures with Santa is good, but some of it is not so good. So I’m here to give you some tips from a “professional” elf on the dos and don’ts of bringing your kiddos to meet Santa. Trust me. You’ll thank me for this. After all, don’t you want your Santa pictures to be the best experience possible for your family?
DO…
1. Be patient
No matter where you take your kids to see Santa (the zoo, Segra Park, Saluda Shoals, a special event, etc.), expect a line. Especially on weekends. (Santa is a pretty popular guy, after all.)
If you think your kids might struggle while waiting in line, bring some small items to keep them occupied. I’ve seen kids in line who have small dolls, stuffed animals, glow sticks, light up toys, even their “Elf on the Shelf” with them to keep them occupied.
You could even bring a Christmas themed picture book. Snacks and a drink are also a great idea. And, speaking of drinks, it’s a good idea to know where the closest bathroom is in case you need to step out of the line to take your child to the bathroom.
2. Be polite
When the photographer, elves, or any other employee speaks to you, be polite. We are here to ensure your family’s time with Santa is special and memorable. Ignoring us, yelling at us, making rude comments, putting your stroller and other items in the way of the photographer and helpers, is just rude. It also makes our night feel longer.
Remember that we are working the whole night and will see over 1,000 people a night. And if it’s an outdoor event like the zoo or Segra park, we are standing in the cold for hours on end. We love what we do but, being rude to us makes it an unpleasant experience.
3. Be respectful to those around you
I have seen people in line let their kids run through the line, push into people around them, and run up to Santa when it wasn’t their turn. There have also been times when kids are goofing off in line with their siblings and have knocked over decorations, etc.
Please remember that there are others around you who are bringing their kids to meet Santa. It’s something parents want to be a special experience for their children; especially if it’s their first time. When your kids are causing a ruckus, it makes the experience unpleasant for those around you.
In addition, be respectful of the amount of time you spend with Santa. If there is a long line of people behind you, don’t let your kids stay with Santa longer than is necessary. Having your children just tell Santa one thing they want for Christmas instead of five or so, quickens the pace and helps the line move faster. Now, if you’re there on a weeknight when it’s not busy and there’s no line, then definitely let your kids have a few extra minutes with Santa. But if there is anyone in line behind you, try to make it a quick process.
Lastly, if someone in your group has to step out of line and isn’t back by the time you get to the front, please let the people behind you go ahead of you. We don’t have the time to wait for your family member to get back for pictures when there is a line of people in front of you. So, please be respectful and kind, and let the next in line go first.
4. Organize your group BEFORE you get to the front of the line
Oftentimes, we have large groups come through Santa’s line. Groups that have multiple families who all want pictures of their individual families, and also want a picture of the entire group. That’s OK, but have your group organized before you get to the front of the line.
- Decide if you want to do the large group picture first or last.
- Choose the order each family will see Santa (John’s family, then Sarah’s family, etc.).
- Figure out if all of the kids are going to talk to Santa or not.
Having all of this figured out before it’s your turn makes things run more smoothly. I can’t tell you how many times big groups have held up the line because they haven’t talked to each other beforehand and then go back and forth on what they want to do. Do yourselves, the employees, and everyone else in line a favor by deciding in advance.
DON’T…
1. Cut in line
Look around you to see where the end of the line is before you just assume. If you’re not sure where to get in line, ask someone. We’ve had multiple instances of people trying to cut the line altogether or jump in front of other people in line, and all it does is make people angry.
In addition, it causes the line to take longer because the photographer or I will have to step away from what we are doing to address the people who have cut in line. This then delays visits with Santa.
2. Yell at your kids in front of everyone
I can’t tell you the number of times I have seen parents yelling at their children in front of Santa, the photographer, myself, and those in line. I’m a parent so I understand how it feels when your kids don’t listen or start throwing a temper tantrum. But yelling at them in front of everyone only causes a scene, embarrasses your child, and creates an awkward situation for those around you.
There have been many nights when a parent has yelled at their child when it’s their turn and Santa, the photographer and I don’t know what to do. We can’t interrupt and tell the parent to stop yelling, but it also holds up the line. If your child misbehaves, try to pull them aside and discipline them without yelling in front of everyone. And maybe consider why they are upset. Which brings me to…
3. Force your kids to see Santa if they don’t want to
This is a big one. It’s one thing if a baby or toddler starts crying when they get put on Santa’s lap. But it’s another thing when older kids are crying and saying they don’t want to see Santa, and their parent forces them up there anyway.
When I see a child in line who is uncomfortable or I hear them say they don’t want to talk to Santa, I make it a point to tell children and families they don’t have to talk to Santa if they don’t want to. They can just pose for a family photo instead and not sit with Santa in his chair.
Parents, I know you want that cute picture. But is it worth it to force your child to sit with a stranger and upset them greatly? And, again, when parents try to force kids to do it, it holds up the line. If you bring your kid up to Santa and they say no, that should be it. Don’t spend five minutes trying to convince them to sit with Santa just because you want that picture.
4. Spoil the magic for others
To me, this is the most important one. Don’t spoil the magic of Santa and Christmas for others.
There have been many times when I’ve been talking to a child at the front of the line and they inevitably ask me, “Is that the real Santa?” I always reply that he is, but there have been times when the parent has responded first and said, “No! That’s not the real Santa.”
Or I’ll ask the kids what they are asking Santa to bring them for Christmas and the parent will say, “My kids know Santa doesn’t bring their gifts. They know their mom and dad work hard and buy the gifts for them.” (Yes. That actually happened.)
As each of these words are said, I see the deflated face of the youngster in line behind them, who then turns to their own parent, frown on their face, and asks if Santa is real. It breaks my heart to see Santa ruined for other children and families because someone decides to spout their disbelief a little too loudly.
If your family doesn’t do Santa or you have older teens who don’t believe in Santa, that’s fine. You do you. But don’t spoil it for the kids in line next to you who do still believe. Let’s help keep the magic alive for others.
If you follow these tips, your time with Santa will be a fun and magical experience for your whole family. Not sure where to see Santa around Columbia? Check out THIS post to find out!
