What Happens If My Child Cries With Santa?

If you’ve ever scrolled social media in December, you’ve probably seen them. The infamous “crying with Santa” photos. They’re funny, they’re relatable, and honestly…they’re a little bit iconic. Almost every family has one tucked into their Christmas album somewhere.

But if you’re booking a Santa session this year, especially one of my Santa in Savannah, GA experiences at HollyOaks on the Marsh, you might be wondering: what if my child is the one who bursts into tears?

Here’s the good news: not only is it completely normal, but it’s also a memory worth capturing.

Table of Contents

• Why Children Sometimes Cry with Santa
• My Own Crying Santa Story
• How We Handle Crying at Santa Sessions
• A Word for the Parent Who’s Hesitant
• Why the Crying Photos Matter
• Turning Memories Into Keepsakes
• Ready to Make the Magic Yours?

Why Children Sometimes Cry With Santa

For some children, Santa is the highlight of Christmas. They run straight into his arms with the biggest smiles. For others, the magic of the beard, the red suit, and the excitement can feel overwhelming. Neither reaction is wrong. Both are completely normal parts of childhood.

Children are little people with big feelings, and sometimes meeting Santa is just…a lot. And as a mama of two boys myself, I can tell you that even siblings can react totally differently. One might be eager and joyful, while the other wants nothing to do with it.

My Own Crying Santa Story

In fact, my youngest son cried during his 2024 Santa session. (To be fair, he didn’t really want anything to do with pictures at all that day—Exhibit A: the photo we took before Santa even came out.)

The funny part? He didn’t cry the first time he met Santa in 2023, he was all smiles and loved it! But the very next year, he was in full-on “stranger danger” mode and was absolutely not having it. My oldest, on the other hand, never cried once! He always adored Santa.

And honestly? I was secretly a little happy about those tears. Because now, I have that memory too. That’s part of his story—and one day, I’ll look back on that photo and laugh about the year my baby decided Santa was too much.

How We Handle Crying at Santa Sessions

One of the things parents love about my Santa in Savannah, GA sessions is the way we ease into the experience. We always begin by taking photos of your child before Santa enters the scene. He’ll quietly walk up behind them so we can capture some sweet, tear-free portraits first. That way, even if your little one gets overwhelmed later, you’ll still have beautiful images without tears.

Our team is also pretty skilled at distractions. Whether it’s a toy, a silly face, or Mrs. Claus lending a gentle hand. We’ll do our best to help your child relax and maybe even share a little smile.

But if the tears keep flowing? We roll with it. We make sure to capture a few of those classic crying photos that you’ll one day laugh over when they’re grown. (Trust me, you’ll thank me when you’re putting together their wedding reception slideshow!)

And most importantly: we never leave a child sitting there screaming. We don’t force it. The goal is a magical, memorable experience, not an upsetting or traumatic one. If your child isn’t having it, that’s okay, we respect their limits and capture what we can with care.

A Word for the Parent Who’s Hesitant

If you’ve been on the fence about booking a Santa session because you’re afraid your child might cry, let me reassure you: tears are not a failure. They’re just another version of the story.

Every year I hear from parents who tell me, “We almost didn’t book because I wasn’t sure how my child would react.” And every year, those same parents end up so glad they came. Because even if their little one was unsure of Santa, they walked away with photos that are authentic to this stage of life. Whether that’s joy, curiosity, or a little bit of fear.

The truth is, you only get a handful of Christmases when your children are little. Whether they run to Santa with open arms or bury their face in your shoulder, it’s a memory worth holding onto. And I promise, years down the road, you won’t regret having those photos, you’ll treasure them.

Why the Crying Photos Matter

Here’s the thing: the smiling-on-Santa’s-lap picture is wonderful, but the crying photos are wonderful too. They capture a very specific, very real season of your child’s life.

One day, you’ll look back at the photo of your two-year-old with tear-streaked cheeks while Santa gently tries to engage with them, and you’ll smile. Because you’ll remember exactly what that stage of life felt like. Childhood goes by so quickly, and those imperfect moments are often the ones that mean the most.

Years from now, your child might even laugh at the picture themselves. It becomes part of their story—the year they weren’t quite sure about Santa.

Turning Memories Into Keepsakes

When you choose a Santa in Savannah, GA experience with me, you’re not just getting a rushed snapshot. You’re creating an entire tradition—letters from Santa before the session, wish list making, crafts, and an intentional, memory-filled visit. Whether your child beams with joy or cries the whole time, you’ll walk away with images that are keepsakes of this stage in your family’s story.

And I promise you—every reaction, even the tears, is part of the magic.

Ready to Make the Magic Yours?

If you’ve been hesitating because you’re worried your child might cry, let me reassure you: there is no “perfect” reaction to Santa. Smiles, tears, or something in between—it all tells the story of who they are right now, and that’s worth remembering.

Spots for Santa in Savannah, GA are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. If creating magical holiday memories (and having beautiful photos to go along with them) is on your list this year, I’d love for your family to join us.

👉 Reserve Your Santa Session Today!

Related Reading:

• 5 Reasons to Book Your Santa Pictures in Savannah Early This Year
• Preparing Your Children for Savannah Santa Pictures
• A Magical Start to Christmas in Savannah at HollyOaks on the Marsh
• Wrapping up the Holiday Season with Santa at HollyOaks on the Marsh

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