Preparing Your Children for Savannah Santa Pictures

Let’s face it, parents—taking kids to meet Santa can sometimes feel like herding cats. For some kids, sitting on Santa’s lap is pure magic; for others, it’s like meeting a well-dressed stranger who smells like cookies and asks about their life goals. Whatever your child’s reaction may be, I’ve got you covered! Here are some tried-and-true tips to help your little ones feel more at ease and make your upcoming Savannah Santa photo session a merry success.

Plus, with Tiffany Bradley Photography creating a magical Santa experience at HollyOaks on the Marsh in Savannah, GA, we’ll take the stress out of your hands and keep the spirit in the season!

Table of Contents

1. Start Talking About Santa Early
2. Read Santa Stories Together
3. Let Them Help Choose Their Outfit
4. Bring a Favorite Toy or Comfort Item
5. Practice Smiling and Waving
6. Prepare for Some Laughs (and Even Some Tears)
7. Remind Them Santa’s a Friend
8. Plan for Post-Santa Celebrations
9. Book Your Savannah Santa Session

1. Start Talking About Santa Early (But Casually!)

Start dropping hints that Santa is coming to town—and they’ll get to meet him right here in Savannah, GA! Skip the pressure to be on their best behavior—this is all about creating a joyful, relaxed experience where they can just be themselves! One great way to help prepare them is by introducing Santa as a friend who loves hearing about their favorite things, like what they’re looking forward to this Christmas or their favorite holiday treats. Keep it light by sharing a few fun facts: Santa is just like them—he loves cookies, has a big laugh, and is always excited to meet new friends. By giving them a positive, friendly image of Santa, you’ll help them feel more comfortable and excited to see him when the big day arrives.

2. Read Santa Stories Together

Storytime is a great way to make Santa feel familiar, so gather some festive books and make it a cozy activity. Look for books with illustrations that show Santa smiling and laughing so he feels approachable and friendly. This way, Santa starts to feel like a warm and familiar friend long before they see him in person. Stop by your local library for a variety of holiday reads, or even pop into Punch and Judy in Savannah to check out their selection of holiday books! For an extra sneak peek, head over to Tiffany’s Instagram to see photos from last year’s Santa sessions—kids love spotting other children smiling with Santa, and it can make the idea of meeting him in person feel more exciting and familiar.

3. Let Them Help Choose Their Outfit

Giving kids a little control over their look can be empowering—especially when they’re dressing to meet the Santa in Savannah, GA! To keep things simple but fun, try offering them a few pre-approved holiday outfit options to choose from, or let them pick out a special accessory, like a festive scarf, a sparkly hair bow, or even their favorite holiday socks. This small choice can help them feel like they’re part of the adventure and get them excited about the big day. Tiffany’s experience as both a teacher and a mom has taught her that when kids feel happy in what they’re wearing, their confidence shines through in every photo!

4. Bring a Favorite Toy or Comfort Item (But Only If You’re Okay With It in the Photos!)

If your little one has a special stuffed animal, blanket, or toy that makes them feel secure, consider bringing it along! I’m happy to include it in a few photos, so they feel at ease with something familiar nearby. Just make sure it’s an item you’d be okay with seeing in the photos—sometimes those comfort items steal the show!

If you’d prefer not to have it in the pictures, we can gently set it aside before they hop in front of the camera. You could try letting them hold it while waiting for Santa, then ask them to put it “safely” in your bag, or give it a little “nap” nearby. A quick swap-out before they go in front of the lens can help them feel secure without taking away from the look of their special Santa photos.

5. Practice Smiling and Waving (No Pressure!)

Want to make it fun? Stand a few feet away and practice saying hi, waving, and even giving a big holiday smile to each other! You can pretend you’re Santa or Mrs. Claus, greeting them warmly and asking about their favorite holiday treats or what they’d like for Christmas. This lighthearted practice helps get them comfortable with the idea of greeting someone new and expressing themselves, even if it feels a little silly at first.

You can even try playing a “Santa Says” game, where they practice smiling, waving, or doing a fun little pose on cue. With these small, playful rehearsals, even the shyest child will feel more prepared to give Santa a friendly wave or flash a grin when the big moment arrives.

6. Prepare for Some Laughs (and Even Some Tears)

Every child has their own unique reaction to meeting Santa—some will greet him with open arms, others might be more curious or cautious, and some may need a little extra time to warm up. To help set expectations, let your child know that there will be other kids waiting to see Santa too, so when their turn is done, they’ll be helping make room for new friends to have their special moment.

And remember, even if your little one ends up a bit teary-eyed or nervous, those moments are just as precious. Often, the pictures where they’re expressing their full personality—happy, shy, or even tearful—become the sweetest memories. Years down the road, those photos might be the ones that make you smile the most, as they capture this season of life in a heartfelt and unforgettable way.

7. Remind Them Santa’s a Friend (and Tiffany, Too!)

Make sure your child knows they’re not going through this alone! Between Mrs. Claus, the cozy setup, and Tiffany’s friendly, gentle approach, your child will be surrounded by kind faces who just want to make them smile. To help build excitement, encourage them to learn more about Santa by watching holiday movies together or reading stories that dive into his adventures.

You can also explore the “About” section on Tiffany’s website with them, where they can discover more about her, her family, and the things she loves! Knowing a bit about Tiffany and her passion for capturing joyful moments can help your child feel more connected and at ease when it’s time to meet Santa. After all, when they see her as a friend, it makes the whole experience that much more special!

8. Plan for Post-Savannah Santa Celebrations

Nothing says “brave Santa visit” like a treat afterward! Plan to reward your kids for meeting Santa (even if it was from a safe distance). A little hot cocoa, a holiday craft, or letting them put a new ornament on the tree can be a sweet way to end their big day. But don’t stop there! Consider taking them to play at a nearby park to run off some energy and share their Santa stories with friends, or even watching a holiday movie together to keep the festive spirit alive.

If you want to add a little extra magic, maybe even schedule a special family outing to do something fun together! Whatever you choose, these post-Santa celebrations will not only reward their bravery but also create lasting memories that will bring smiles for years to come. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to extend the joy of the day and keep the holiday magic alive long after meeting Santa!

9. Book Your Savannah Santa Session

Bringing your children for Savannah, GA Santa pictures should be a joyful experience that everyone looks forward to. At Tiffany Bradley Photography, I’m dedicated to making it magical for each family, with the experience tailored to each child’s needs. Santa and Mrs. Claus are pros at what they do, and I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to keep those smiles genuine and the memories beautiful.

Don’t let your chance to book slip away! Santa bookings at HollyOaks on the Marsh in Savannah, GA close soon, so be sure to reserve your spot now for a one-of-a-kind Santa experience with Tiffany Bradley Photography.

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