HO HO HO! How to Prepare Young Children for a Santa Photography Session with Erin Wilwert Photography

Santa photography sessions are a timeless holiday tradition, capturing the joy, excitement, and magic of the season. But let’s be honest—meeting Santa can sometimes feel a little intimidating for young children, who might be unsure about the big guy in red. At Erin Wilwert Photography, I offer three unique Santa photography experiences: Santa Minis, Gingerbread Sessions, and Fine Art Santa Minis. Each option offers something magical, whether it’s a quick meet-and-greet or an immersive, interactive holiday moment.

Here’s a guide to help you prepare your child for these memorable experiences and make the most out of your Santa session. Because when everyone’s comfortable and ready, the magic truly shines through in every shot!

1. Understanding the Different Santa Sessions

Before you start preparing your child, let’s make sure you’re familiar with the unique Santa photography options at Erin Wilwert Photography. Each one is tailored to create a special experience, so you can choose what suits your family best:

• Santa Minis: In this quick, 5-minute session, your child gets a brief moment with Santa, perfect for capturing their initial reactions, smiles, and maybe a giggle or two. This session includes three beautifully edited images, making it ideal for parents who want a simple, stress-free Santa experience.

• Gingerbread Session: This session is a little longer and more interactive. Children join Santa and Mrs. Claus in a cozy kitchen setup, where they get to “bake” and decorate gingerbread houses. This experience allows for 15 minutes of sweet, playful moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus, giving you adorable, candid memories.

• Fine Art Santa Minis: A more private, immersive 15-minute session that lets your child chat with Santa, find their name on the “Nice List,” wrap a few presents together, and just enjoy some quality time. This is perfect for families looking for a storytelling, artistic feel to their photos.

Now that you know which Santa session is best for your family, let’s dive into how you can help your child feel ready for their big moment.

2. Introduce Santa at Home

If your child has never met Santa before or is a little on the shy side, it can be helpful to “introduce” Santa at home. Show them pictures of Santa, read stories about him, and maybe even watch some age-appropriate holiday movies that feature Santa in a friendly, gentle way. Getting familiar with Santa as a character can make him feel less intimidating and more like a beloved friend.

For instance, while watching a holiday movie, you could say, “Look, there’s Santa! He brings presents to kids who are kind and helpful.” Making Santa’s presence feel warm and familiar can help your child feel more excited than anxious about meeting him in person.

3. Talk About the Session in a Positive, Fun Way

Kids can sense your excitement (or stress!), so keep things light and positive when talking about the session. If you’re attending a Gingerbread Session, describe it as a fun “baking adventure” where they get to be the chef with Santa and Mrs. Claus as their helpers! For Fine Art Santa Minis, tell your child that they’ll get a special chance to “help” Santa with his Christmas preparations.

If you’re doing a Santa Mini session, mention how cool it will be to have a quick chat with Santa, just like saying hello to a friend. Talking up the experience in an upbeat way can help build positive anticipation.

4. Dress Comfortably and Festively

Choosing the right outfit can make all the difference. You want your little one to look adorable, of course, but comfort is key. If they’re wearing something itchy, stiff, or overly fancy, they may feel distracted or fidgety. For most kids, a comfortable holiday sweater or cozy dress with festive colors is perfect.

For Gingerbread Sessions, consider a “baking” outfit that’s cute and easy to clean. Since there might be a bit of pretend flour or cookie-making involved, a fun apron over their outfit could add to the cozy kitchen vibe. For Fine Art Santa Minis or Santa Minis, classic holiday colors like red, green, and cream always photograph beautifully!

5. Set Expectations About the Session Length

For a 5-minute Santa Mini, explain to your child that it will be a quick meet-and-greet. Let them know they’ll have just enough time to say hello, smile big, and maybe tell Santa one or two things they hope for this Christmas. A quick tip: Practicing a friendly “hello” or big smile at home can help ease any nerves.

For the 15-minute Gingerbread Session or Fine Art Santa Mini, explain that they’ll have a little more time to play and chat with Santa (and Mrs. Claus for the Gingerbread session!). Setting these expectations ahead of time can help them settle into the experience more comfortably.

6. Consider Bringing a Favorite Toy or Comfort Item

Especially for younger kids, bringing a favorite small toy or comfort item can provide a sense of security in a new environment. If your child gets nervous, holding a familiar item can help them relax and enjoy the session more. It also adds a personal touch to the photos, showing them in a way that’s uniquely “them.”

7. Give Them a Snack Before the Session

We all know that hungry kids can be grumpy kids. A quick snack before the session can go a long way in keeping spirits high. A light snack that won’t stain their clothes is best—think apple slices or a small piece of cheese. Plus, you can always promise a little holiday treat afterward as a reward for a job well done!

8. Plan to Arrive a Little Early

Arriving early can help make the experience feel calm and unhurried. It gives your child a moment to adjust to the studio and warm up to the idea of meeting Santa. At Erin Wilwert Photography, I strive to create a welcoming environment, so arriving with a few extra minutes to settle in can make all the difference.

9. Don’t Stress About Perfection

The magic of Santa sessions isn’t in a perfectly posed picture; it’s in the genuine moments. Kids might not always smile on cue, but sometimes those serious or wide-eyed looks are just as precious! Letting go of the idea of a “perfect” picture allows you to enjoy the experience fully, and often, the best photos come when kids are relaxed and acting naturally. Personally, I’ve found that some of the funny/unsure faces are more memorable than a picture perfect smile!

10. Trust Your Photographer

As a photographer specializing in children’s holiday sessions, I’ve seen it all—the shy smiles, the big laughs, and yes, even the occasional meltdown. Rest assured, my goal is to make the session feel like a relaxed, fun experience for your family. Whether your child is ready to dive right in or needs a little extra encouragement, I’m here to help capture those magical holiday memories.

Book Your Santa Session Today!

Whether you’re planning for a quick Santa Mini, a cozy Gingerbread Session with Santa and Mrs. Claus, or a longer Fine Art Santa Mini, each session is crafted to capture the joy and wonder of the holiday season. At Erin Wilwert Photography, I’m thrilled to be part of your family’s holiday traditions, creating cherished photos you’ll love sharing year after year.