Preparing to Visit Santa: Tips for a Magical Experience with Santa Matt
Visiting Santa is one of the most heartwarming traditions of the holiday season — a moment filled with excitement, wonder, and a little bit of Christmas magic. To help make your visit as joyful and stress-free as possible, Santa Matt, your authentic Santa Claus serving Edwardsville, Illinois and the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area, shares his best tips for creating lasting holiday memories.
✨ Make It a Fun Family Activity
Your visit to Santa should be a happy, relaxed outing for the whole family. Dress children in comfortable clothes they love — when kids feel good, they smile naturally, and that joy shines through in every photo. A cheerful mood leads to magical moments you’ll treasure for years.
📖 Talk About Santa Before Your Visit
Before heading out, take time to talk with your children about who Santa is and what he represents — love, kindness, and the joy of giving. Reading a Christmas story together or watching a favorite holiday movie helps little ones feel comfortable and excited to meet Santa Matt in person.
🎀 Be Photo-Ready
A few last-minute touch-ups can make a big difference! Bring along a brush or comb, moist towelettes, and any bows or hair ties you may need. Wipe little hands and faces before visiting — Santa Matt appreciates keeping his snowy beard and bright red suit fresh and clean for every child.
📸 Capture the Perfect Photo
The best photos are usually taken within the first 15 seconds! Help your children get into position, then step back and let the Christmas magic unfold. After the photos, Santa Matt will take a few moments to chat with your children and make the experience extra personal and memorable.
👶 For Babies (Newborn to 6 Months)
For our tiniest visitors, timing is everything! Once Santa is holding your baby, photographers usually have just a few seconds to capture that perfect shot. Have everyone else in position before gently placing your baby in Santa’s arms — it makes the moment calm, safe, and magical.
💕 For Shy or Nervous Children
It’s normal for some children to feel a little unsure about meeting Santa. Avoid saying things like “Don’t be afraid” or “Santa won’t hurt you” — these phrases can actually make kids more nervous. Instead, let your child watch other children with Santa first.
If your little one is still hesitant, they can sit in Santa Matt’s chair while he stands beside them, or back gently into his lap. Remember — never force a visit. The goal is to create happy, positive memories that children will remember fondly year after year.
👶 Change Diapers Before Visiting
If you have little ones in diapers, please make sure they’re changed before seeing Santa. A soiled suit can bring the whole operation to a halt until it’s cleaned — and Santa wouldn’t want to delay the fun for anyone!
If you need to step out of line for a quick change, just let one of Santa’s helpers know. They’ll make sure you get right back to the front when you return.
🤒 Keep Sick Children at Home
Santa Matt loves visiting with every smiling face, but if anyone in your family is feeling under the weather, it’s best to stay home and visit when everyone is healthy again. This helps keep Santa, his elves, and all the families in the St. Louis area merry and bright throughout the season.
🎄 A Final Message from Santa Matt
A visit with Santa should always be filled with laughter, warmth, and the true spirit of Christmas. With a little preparation, you can help create a joyful experience that your family will cherish for years to come.
Santa Matt brings holiday cheer to families across Edwardsville, Illinois and the St. Louis Metro Area, offering authentic, heartwarming visits for children of all ages.