Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus

The Moment Beyond the Photo

Every year, we try to capture the magic of meeting Santa with a photo. But what if we could go beyond the picture? What if we could create an experience that truly brings the spirit of Christmas to life for children and families? That's the heart of our vision for Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus – a chance to create lasting memories, spark imagination, and share the joy of the season in a way that goes far beyond a snapshot.

The pictures we take trigger memories as we share them with friends and family. However, the view through the camera lens is not what the child sees, when they have the chance to meet Santa.

Santa is both a mystical hero and a real person they can talk to, play games with, dance and sing with, and share their hopes and dreams. The experience of meeting Santa is a moment that can shape a child's imagination and childlike belief in the magic of the Christmas season.

The Meaning of Santa

For many people, Santa Claus is more than just a jolly figure in a red suit. He represents the spirit of giving, kindness, and joy that defines the holiday season. Meeting Santa can be a magical experience for children, as it allows them to connect with the wonder and excitement of Christmas in a tangible way. It's a chance for them to share their wishes, ask questions, and feel the warmth of the season in a way that goes beyond material gifts.

Santa also offers validation to children, carefully listening to them and answering their questions with patience and warmth. Santa represents love and a spirit of giving, and as such he can provide a strong positive influence in a child's life.

There will always be those who say that Christmas comes too early each year, or that Santa commercializes the season. It is true that there is a massive retail industry surrounding Santa and all things Christmas, but Santa did not "do" that. It is precisely that Santa is a well-loved figure that marketers and retailers are able to "commercialize" the season, but meeting Santa in person is not a retail experience.

Santa is a lover of children, a giver of gifts and a symbol of the spirit of Christmas. The experience of meeting Santa can be a powerful way to connect with the true meaning of the season, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Tradition Passed Forward

There are as many Christmas traditions as there are families, and the tradition of meeting Santa is one that has been passed down for generations. For many families, taking their children to meet Santa is a cherished holiday tradition that creates lasting memories and strengthens family bonds. It's a time for parents to share the magic of Christmas with their children, and for children to experience the joy and wonder of the season in a way that is both fun and meaningful.

Santa can appear in a parade, at a mall or department store, at a community event or even in your home. Although his Big Sleigh Ride on Christmas Eve isn't something you get to see in person, his visits at different times of the year are all about loving children and their families, and Santa is excited to meet you and your family wherever you are. It is Santa's Purpose and Calling to love people, gifts on Christmas morning are an expression of that love, but not any more than the love he can share with you when you meet him in person.

Not every family chooses to meet Santa, and that's okay. But for those who do, photos and memories of meeting Santa become time capsules of the joy and wonder of childhood, beyond something to include in Christmas cards, and a reminder of the magic of the Christmas season that can be cherished for years to come. Children remember the visit with Santa "last year", and Santa also remembers the children, which is another strong reinforcement of their worth and identity.

Regarding Faith

Although Santa is not a religious figure, and the origins of Santa through the life of St. Nicholas of Myra are not widely known, identifying Santa as an image of the Spirit of Christmas is a powerful way to connect with the deeper meaning of the season. The Spirit of Christmas is about love, kindness, generosity, and joy – values that can be powerful and meaningful for children to see in adults.

As a symbol of the Spirit of Christmas, Santa can help children understand the importance of giving, kindness, and joy during the holiday season. Santa can also help children see that the true meaning of Christmas, which is ultimately not about the gifts we receive on December 6th or December 25th, but can be summed up in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Santa can help children understand that the true meaning of Christmas is about love, generosity, and joy, and that these values are at the heart of the season.

For some families, it can be difficult to resolve their thoughts about Santa and their faith, even when they have the same faith as Santa. Some may feel that Santa is a distraction from the religious significance of Christmas, while others may see Santa as a way to bring joy and wonder to the season without detracting from their faith.

Santa wants to encourage those families to hold deeply to their faith, and consider Santa in the same way they might attend a play or a dance recital, watch a movie or read a book to children. The story of hope, peace, joy and love that comes from Santa can be as consistent as the storybooks we read our children or the redemptive heroes we see in movies, or you might even consider them just play-actors as in a ballet. Rationalizing Santa out of our imaginations is to pass judgment on any act of fiction.

Regarding commercialization - when you meet Santa in person, he will not commercialize Christmas. And his strong desire is that you do not commercialize Christmas either. Just notice children, love children and share your joy and love with as many people as you can.

The Story Behind Santa

Santa’s story has been shaped by centuries of traditions, stories, and celebrations from around the world. As we continue sharing the traditions behind Santa, this will become a place to explore the history, stories, and imagination that make the season meaningful.

Questions, Wonder, and Imagination

Through the years, Santa has heard many questions from children, and has been amazed by their wonder and imagination. He knows that curiosity is one of the most special parts of childhood, and he loves the questions children ask — as well as the questions they are still discovering. As we continue sharing the stories of Santa, this section will help explore some of the most common questions children have about Santa, and how to encourage their wonder and imagination during the season.

Resources for Families

Preparing for a visit with Santa can help create a more meaningful experience. Explore ideas for helping Santa understand your family and making the most of your time together.

• Preparing for a Santa visit
• Helping Santa know your child
• Creating a magical moment together