The Magic of Hiring a Professional Santa for Christmas Photo Shoots As the festive season…
What makes the perfect Santa?
As one of the UK’s largest Santa Agencies, we know from experience just what makes the perfect Santa. Whether booked for a one off visit, or a long period working in a seasonal grotto, Santa must always be consistent.
They have to be believable. Santa’s must be friendly, approachable and above all able to create that sense of pure magic that surrounds every Santa visit.
Santa Etiquette
- Never remove a beard! Adjust it discreetly if necessary.
- Never ask where a child lives or other personal questions.
- Never be alone with a child
- Never make any inappropriate remarks – you never know who might be listening
- Never have a photo taken with a child within their parent/guardian’s permission
Always be prepared for quiet or shy children
Ask questions to encourage them to talk. What do they want for Christmas? Never respond with definite promises, just point out that the Elves are still trying to finish everything so you can only see what is available.
Ask about the reindeer? Do they know the names? Who has the red nose? (It’s Rudolph. The others are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen).
Is there a chimney in their house? If not – show them your magic key.
If they say yes, then make up a funny story about coming down their chimney and getting covered in soot.
Working as Santa in a grotto
Never let your concentration or character lapse. You must perform all the time – even if there is no one around. There is always a chance someone might come in.
- Be friendly yet majestic. You are a legendary, magical character.
- Talk about the elves busy at the North Pole, the reindeer or polar bears
- Make notes occasionally in a really special looking book
- Wait for children to come to you
- Remember names and use them in conversation
- Never insist on children sitting on your knee
- Never touch frightened children
- Never ask children if they are shy
- Never eat spicy food or drink alcohol before performing as Santa.
Above all – keep a careful watch on your beard! Having a mirror discreetly placed nearby can alert you to any discreet adjustments that may be necessary.
Santa Jokes
Where would Santa sleep on holiday?
In a Ho-Ho-Tel!
What’s the result of combining ducks and Santa Claus?
A Christmas Quaker
Who visits pets at Christmas?
Santa Paws
Santa Stories
Have some stories ready to tell children, especially when you are doing a home visit
How about The Day Reindeer flew backwards?
I’ll never forget Christmas one year – nothing was going right. The Elves had a long summer holiday and had not caught up with their toy making and packing. The piles of presents just grew higher and higher. We even had to call in extra help from villagers and Polar Bears (who were not quite as helpful as expected because they wanted to play with the toys).
Just as we were recovering from that problem, it was time for the Ånnual North Pole Christmas Show. Everyone was have a great time, playing, eating and drinking. Then one of the elves, Buddy, decided to show off – he harnessed the reindeer to my sleigh and went for a ride. Unfortunately, he made a spell allowing them to fly backwards, and when they landed the spell’s effects remained. Not only did they all walk backwards, but they spoke backwards Instead of ‘Hello Santa’ Buddy said ‘Atnas Olleh’.
Luckily, they quickly sought my help. I knew just want to do. Mrs Claus quickly baked some special Saikooc Samtsirch Drawkcab biscuits. What do you think that means? Backward Christmas Cookies. So as soon as Buddy and the reindeer ate the biscuits, the spell was broken.