How to Be Prepared for Santa Pictures

It's that time of year again: A time when parents dress their kids up and drag them to sit on some old guy's lap so they can pay too much for a Santa picture. While I can't guarantee your child won't run away screaming from Santa, I can help you with some tips on how to make everything else go well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean clothes for the kids
• A sense of humor
• Snacks
• Good timing

1. Do a recon trip. Before you drag your kids out to get Santa pictures taken, check him out in advance. What color is Santa wearing: Red, Green, White? What color is his chair? You'll need to keep this in mind when choosing your kids' clothes.

2. Pay attention to the kids' outfits. Though it may be your first instinct to put your little one in red, usually this is a bad choice. Most times, Santa will be wearing red, so your child will blend in. Instead, choose colors like blue, brown, white, or gray so that they will match Santa and not blend in.

3. Time the pictures perfectly. Get pictures taken after naptime and while their bellies are full. Also, it's best to go early in the month and during the week to avoid long lines. The less time your little ones have to sit in line, the better.

4. Bribe them. If you know you're going to have a screamer, bring along something to distract them. A huge candy cane will not only keep them quiet, but will also go well with the whole Christmas theme.

5. Act fast. Once it's your turn, stick those little ones up on Santa's lap and back away. Don't give them time to realize what's happening. Chances are, the photographer will get at least one shot of your kids not screaming!

Tips & Warnings

• Bring back up clothes. You know, just in case they smoosh cracker all over themselves while you're waiting in line.
• Be patient, and have a sense of humor about the situation and it will all go well.