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Most families with more than one child eventually hit this moment. One child is still all in on Santa, and an older sibling has started to wonder. You want the older one to feel grown-up and the younger one to keep every drop of wonder. A Santa call can help both, if you plan a little. This post is a mix of conversation starters, a booking strategy and a few things to avoid.
Start with the older child, privately
Before the call, have a short, kind chat with your older child alone. You do not need a speech. You are enlisting a teammate.
Many kids love this. It gives them a role, instead of an awkward position of knowing too much. A few reminders to give:
- Keep any doubts or questions for later, away from the little ones.
- Let the little one talk to Santa without interruptions.
- Help the little one with ideas for what to say.
Ask your older child how they would like to take part. Some want to be on the call. Others prefer to watch from the side.
Decide who is "on" the call
Siblings are welcome on the same live Santa video call. The booking form takes one child's name, age, wish list and fun facts. Put the other children's names, ages and a wish or two in the fun facts box so Santa can greet them too.
The call is 10 minutes total, so a small crowd means shorter turns. Here are a few ways to arrange it.
Option A: Everyone together
Best when: the kids are close in age or the older one is happy to join.
Put the youngest in front and the older sibling beside you. Santa can say hello to each by name.
Option B: Youngest first, older child nearby
Best when: the older child is skeptical but kind.
Let the little one sit in front of the screen. The older sibling stands behind with you, ready to help with a prompt.
Option C: A video message for the older child
Best when: the ages are far apart or the older child would rather not be on a live call.
Let the little one have the live call, and order a personalized video message for the older child so they get something made just for them. It is $19 and arrives as a private link.
What to put in the fun facts box
Santa can only mention what you share. For a mixed-age family, think about including:
Younger child
name, age, a favorite toy, a pet, one wish
Older child
name, age, an achievement, a hobby, one wish
A line about roles
"Our oldest is helping us keep Christmas magic for her brother."
Santa will do his best to include everyone, though the call stays a warm conversation, not a tightly scripted show.
Protect the magic in small moments
Be careful with the screen
If the older sibling sits behind the little one, make sure they are not rolling their eyes or whispering. Agree on a quiet signal, like a thumbs up, for "all good."
Be consistent afterward
Little ones remember details. If Santa mentioned a certain toy or a nice-list moment, keep the story straight in later conversations.
Avoid putting older kids on the spot
Do not ask the older child to "pretend" in front of everyone. Instead, ask them to be gracious. Their job is to support, not to act.
What if the older child asks a hard question?
Keep it calm and honest in a way that fits your family. You might say, "That is a great thing to wonder about. Let's talk about it later, just the two of us." Then do. Do not shut the question down, and do not announce a decision in front of the younger one.
Our post on Santa call ideas by age covers how children at different ages respond.
Give the older child something that is theirs
Magic fades differently for each child, and the older sibling needs something to hold on to as well.
- Let them pick a question to ask Santa. See what to ask Santa on a video call.
- Offer a personalized Santa video message of their own, about 30 seconds for $19, as a surprise.
- Give them a special task, like setting up the call corner or choosing the music.
The elf and other traditions
If you have an elf on the shelf or other traditions, make sure everyone knows how they fit with the Santa call. Our elf on the shelf and a Santa video call post has ideas.
A mini script for the day
Morning of the call: "Santa is coming on the screen tonight. He is going to say hi to both of you."
Ten minutes before: "Remember, this is Mia's turn first. Then Santa will say hi to you, Sam."
During: Let the little one lead. Offer gentle hints.
After: "What did you like best?" Ask each child separately.
Frequently asked questions
Can all my children be on one call?
Yes. Siblings are welcome. Add their names, ages and a wish or two in the fun facts box so Santa can greet each one.
Does the call get longer with more kids?
No. The call is 10 minutes total, so turns will be shorter with more children.
What if my older child does not want to join?
That is okay. They can watch from the side or skip it. Giving them a helper role often makes it feel more comfortable.
Can each child get something of their own?
The live call is 10 minutes in total, shared by whoever is on it. If you want each child to have a moment that is theirs alone, you can order a personalized video message for each child. See the pricing page.