A visit with Santa Chris
The moment belongs to the child
Hosts and parents ask the same handful of questions before they book. Here are Santa Chris’s answers, in his own words.
What do you do when a child is afraid of Santa?
Please let Santa Chris know in advance or at the event if a child is shy, sensitive or afraid. I will follow the parent’s lead, keep a comfortable distance and give the child time to observe me without pressure.
When appropriate, I may kneel or sit on the floor so we can meet at the child’s level. I can begin by speaking softly with the parent, offering a friendly wave or simply allowing the child to approach when ready. A child is never required to sit on Santa’s lap or pose for a photograph.
The child’s comfort always comes first. The last thing I want is for an encounter with Santa to become a negative experience.
A child asks if you’re the real Santa. What do you say?
I usually smile and ask, “What does your heart tell you?”
Then I might say, “The spirit of Santa is real whenever someone gives with love, shows kindness or brings joy to another person. I’m Santa Chris, and I’m honored to help keep that Christmas spirit alive.”
If an older child is testing me, I respond with warmth and a little humor rather than arguing or trying to prove anything. My goal is to protect the magic, respect each family’s beliefs and make sure every child leaves feeling included.
How do you handle it when a child asks for something the family can’t give them?
I listen carefully and acknowledge how important the wish is without making a promise. If a child requests an expensive gift, I might say, “That is a wonderful wish. Santa listens to every wish, but I can’t promise exactly what will be under the tree. Sometimes the best surprises are chosen with love.”
If the child wishes for a deployed or absent parent to come home, I may say, “I can tell how much you love and miss them. Let’s send them a very special Christmas wish wherever they are.”
If the child mentions a pet or loved one who has died, I respond gently: “They must have been very special. The love and happy memories you shared will always remain in your heart.”
I never promise a particular gift, someone’s return or something I cannot deliver. I follow the parent’s lead, respond with compassion and help the child leave feeling heard, loved and hopeful.
What’s the hardest thing a child has ever asked you?
The hardest part is not always the question itself. It is understanding how important that moment may be to the child asking it.
I can still remember meeting Santa when I was young. Because of that memory, I know that every child’s question, wish or conversation is their special moment with Santa — one they may remember for many years.
I listen carefully, never dismiss what they say and answer as simply, honestly and kindly as I can. I may not always have the perfect answer, but when my response comes from the heart, the child knows they have been heard. That is what matters most.
What’s in your bag when you arrive?
What I bring depends on the people, setting and purpose of each visit. I do not believe every event should receive the same rehearsed experience.
Before arriving, I learn as much as I can from the host — names and pronunciations, ages, interests, family traditions, special requests and anything that may help guests feel comfortable. Depending on the event, my bag may include a Christmas story, sleigh bells, personalized information or gifts provided by the host.
The most important thing I bring is preparation. The magic does not come from simply carrying a bag of props; it comes from making every guest feel that Santa arrived especially for them.