So you hired a Santa now what?

Santa Visit tips from SantaOhio.com

Make sure the batteries are fully charged and that you have all the film, video – tape, etc. to take all the photos you want or need.  Have your gifts ready!  If Santa is to make his entrance with gifts, they should be labeled, easy to read, and fit into a 35 gallon garbage bag.  Don’t use tags as they fall off.  Use a marker to write the names large and legible on the gifts.  Prior arrangements could be made before the visit to get the gifts to Santa.  Timing is everything, as Santa will be with you for a limited amount of time.  Santa will call the designated coordinator just before his arrival.  That’s your cue to get everyone together, maybe sing a Christmas song or two.

Reserve a special parking place for Santa.  It should be as close as possible to where he is appearing.  And remember, Santa is a senior citizen.  If he parks down the street or around the corner and has to walk all the way to your home, or office, he might be a bit winded or exhausted, when he gets there.  And remember, he’s wearing a heavy wool suit that gets very hot, (even in December).  If the visit is at your home, leave an opening at the end of your driveway.  Just put a temporary barrier in the space.  Use a box, a chair or a sawhorse.  Have some fun and put a sign out “Reserved for Santa!”  If your event is at a company facility, office building or hotel, try to make arrangements for Santa to park in a valet or loading area.  Again you can mark the area with a fun sign.  This makes it easier for him to be fresh and ready to bring joy to your guests.

Folding chairs and low chairs do not work well for Santa as Santa is a large man.  A good straight back dining room chair works best.  Stage some great photos by placing Santa’s chair near your Christmas tree or other holiday setting.  Your photos will have more impact if the background has a festive look.  Think about photos with everyone, old and young alike. Santa can stand up for a “buddy” photo with teens and adults if they are “shy”.

If there is a balance or payment due to Santa, please place it inside a Christmas card or envelope.  It is never appropriate to hand cash to Santa.  So, as Santa is departing, hand him the envelope and say, “Thank you, Santa, here is a Christmas card from all of us to you.”

This is how lasting memories of your family and friends are made and captured forever.  So let us bring some magic and fun to your Yuletide event and you will get to keep the memories forever.

Santa Dennis