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Some children feel everything at full volume. They might be so excited they cannot sit still, so nervous they hide, or so overwhelmed they dissolve into tears when the moment arrives. If that sounds like your child, a Santa call can still be lovely. It just helps to plan for how your child actually is.
This is practical, parent-to-parent advice, not professional guidance. You know your child best. If you have questions about their needs, your own trusted caregivers or professionals are the right people to ask.
Start with what "big feelings" looks like for your child
Children show strong feelings in different ways.
The bouncer
wiggles, shouts, runs around and may not look at the screen.
The freezer
goes silent and still, sometimes hiding behind you.
The crier
gets teary or upset when the excitement is too much.
The talker
pours out ten stories at once and cannot stop.
The switcher
is thrilled one second and refusing the next.
Knowing which one you live with changes your plan. A freezer needs a slower start. A bouncer needs a way to move before the call. A talker may need a quiet signal for "Santa's turn."
Make the call small and predictable
Big feelings often shrink when a child knows what to expect.
- 1
Tell them what will happen
Try saying: "We will sit on the couch, click a link and Santa will say hello. It is just a short chat."
- 2
Tell them how long
The call is 10 minutes, so you can say "about as long as one cartoon episode," if that fits your child.
- 3
Say they can choose
"You can talk, wave or just listen. All three are good."
- 4
Say who will be there
"I will be right next to you the whole time."
Our prepare your child for a Santa call page has more wording you can borrow.
Plan the hour before
How your child arrives matters more than anything said during the call.
Move first
For a bouncer, a run outside, a dance song or a few jumps before the call can make sitting easier.
Snack and water
A hungry or thirsty child has fewer reserves.
Quiet time
Ten calm minutes with a book or a puzzle works for many children.
Skip the big sugar and the big surprises.
Pick a good time of day
A rested child is a better guest. See best time of day for a Santa call.
Set up a calm space
Choose a spot where your child feels safe. A cozy corner with a blanket, a favorite stuffed animal and soft lighting is ideal. Turn off the television, silence phones and close the door.
For more ideas, see set up a Santa call corner at home.
A few comfort items to have ready:
- A stuffed animal or blanket
- A drawing or toy to show Santa
- A cup of water
- A fidget or small object to hold, if your child likes that
Use the booking form to your advantage
When you book, you share your child's name, age, wish list and fun facts. The fun facts box is also a place to give Santa a gentle heads-up. You might write:
- "Our daughter is excited but can be shy at first. A slow, soft start would be great."
- "He loves dinosaurs and may talk a lot. Feel free to steer him gently."
- "She might need a minute before answering."
Santa is a real-beard Santa in a velvet suit who is used to children of all temperaments. A few helpful details let him match your child's pace.
During the call: tools for each type
If your child is bouncing
Let them stand if they want. Wiggle is allowed. Gently bring them back with a shared task: "Can you show Santa your toy?"
If your child freezes
Do not push. Let Santa carry the conversation. Smile, nod and keep your voice soft. Try saying quietly: "You can just listen. That is okay."
If your child cries
Pause. Hold them if they want to be held. It is fine to say: "That's okay. We can say goodbye to Santa now." Ending early is not a failure. The goal is a good feeling about the season, not a perfect call.
If your child talks nonstop
Agree on a hand signal beforehand, such as a gentle squeeze on the arm that means "let Santa answer." Celebrate their enthusiasm and then pass the turn.
If your child flips from happy to upset
Name it calmly: "You were so excited and now it feels like a lot." Offer a break or a hug. Return if they are ready, or stop.
What not to do
Do not force a hello or a smile
Pressure tends to make things harder.
Do not bargain with the nice list
Threats about presents add worry.
Do not compare with siblings
"Your sister loved it" does not help.
Do not narrate their emotions at length
A short, calm phrase is enough.
For more on gentle reassurance, see Santa call for kids scared of Santa and what Santa says to shy kids.
After the call
Keep it low-key. A snack, a cuddle and a quiet activity help your child settle. Ask one simple question, like "What was your favorite part?" and accept any answer, even "nothing."
If the call was tough, there are still ways to enjoy Santa. A personalized Santa video message is about 30 seconds and can be watched at your child's own pace, as many times as they like, with you beside them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tell Santa about my child's temperament?
Yes. The fun facts box on the booking form is a good place for a short, gentle note about how your child likes to start.
What if my child cannot finish the call?
That is okay. You can end it when your child has had enough. If you need to change a booking, call 855-916-9921.
Should I stay in the room?
Most children do best with a parent sitting right beside them. Family can sit with the child at home.
Is there a calmer option than a live call?
The personalized video message is about 30 seconds and $19. Some families like it for children who need more time to warm up.