On this page
- Why the list matters for a Santa call
- Step 1: Start with the dreaming, not the writing
- Step 2: Sort the list into three groups
- Step 3: Pick the top few
- Step 4: Add the "why"
- Step 5: Add a wish for someone else
- Step 6: Practice saying it out loud
- Wording ideas by age
- What to do about big, expensive or impossible wishes
- Handling a list that keeps changing
- What happens on the call
- A quick wish list checklist
- Frequently asked questions
A wish list is more than a shopping list. For a child, it is a chance to dream out loud, practice choosing and get ready for a real conversation with Santa. For a parent, it is a helpful peek into what your child is excited about. A good list makes a Santa call smoother, too, because it gives everyone something specific to talk about.
Here is a simple, step-by-step way to build one with your child, plus wording you can borrow.
Why the list matters for a Santa call
When you book a live Santa video call or order a personalized video message, the form asks for your child's name, age, wish list and fun facts. Santa uses those details to start a warm conversation or personalize the message. A list that has a few specific, cheerful items gives Santa something to chat about, and it spares your child from freezing up when the big question arrives: "So what would you like for Christmas?"
Step 1: Start with the dreaming, not the writing
Before pencil meets paper, let your child talk.
- Browse a catalog together, or flip through photos of things they have enjoyed this year.
- Ask open questions: "What have you been wishing you could do more of?" or "What would you build if you had a whole free day?"
- Write down everything, even the silly ones. A rocket ship made of cheese can stay on the page for now.
Step 2: Sort the list into three groups
Once you have a pile of ideas, sort it together. A simple three-part sort keeps expectations healthy without lectures.
- 1
Something I want
a toy, a game or a treat.
- 2
Something I need or could use
boots, a backpack or art supplies.
- 3
Something to do or give
a trip to the zoo, a bike ride with a parent or a gift for someone else.
Tell your child, "Santa likes to hear a little bit of everything." The third group is the one that tends to surprise parents. Kids often come up with generous ideas when given the space.
Step 3: Pick the top few
Santa cannot talk through twenty items in a 10 minute call, and neither can a child. Aim for three to five favorites.
Ages 3 to 4
one or two things they can name easily.
Ages 5 to 7
three or four, with a reason for each ("I want a telescope because I like the moon").
Ages 8 and up
up to five, and room for an honest wish that is not a thing, such as "a day at the lake."
If your child has a very long list, ask: "If you could only pick one, which one makes your heart jump?" That item goes first.
Step 4: Add the "why"
The most memorable wish lists come with a reason. A reason turns a request into a story, and stories are what Santa loves best.
Compare:
- "I want a bike."
- "I want a bike because my cousin has one and we could ride together."
Encourage your child to add a short "because." You can also add this to the fun facts section of the booking form. For example: "Maya wants a telescope because she saw the moon from the car and asked how far away it is." See fun facts to share with Santa for more ideas.
Step 5: Add a wish for someone else
Many families love this part. Ask, "Is there something you would like to wish for someone else?"
- A gift idea for a sibling
- A kind thing to do for a friend
- A wish for a pet, such as an extra long walk
It also feeds well into the nice list conversation. See kindness and the nice list talking points.
Step 6: Practice saying it out loud
Reading a list is different from saying it to someone. A quick practice makes the call easier, especially for shy children.
- Make it a game: "Pretend I am Santa. What is the first thing on your list?"
- Keep it light, with no corrections. If your child mixes things up, that is part of the charm.
- Practice once or twice, no more. Over-rehearsing can make a child feel like they are being tested.
If your child tends to go quiet, see what Santa says to shy kids.
Wording ideas by age
For a three-year-old: "Tell Santa about your truck." One simple prompt is plenty.
For a six-year-old: "What is the one thing you hope for most, and why?"
For a nine-year-old: "If you could wish for something that is not in a store, what would it be?"
For a tween: "What are you looking forward to this winter?" This takes the pressure off a wish list and keeps the door open for a real chat.
What to do about big, expensive or impossible wishes
Children sometimes wish for a pony, a trip to space or something far outside your budget. That is a normal part of being a kid.
Do not shut it down
Let your child wish. Wishing is not the same as promising.
Look for the heart of it
A pony may really mean "I want to spend time with animals," and you can find a way to honor that.
Keep Santa's response in mind
A real-beard Santa will usually respond warmly to a grand wish and gently steer toward what is possible. You do not need to script this.
If you worry about disappointment, you can include a line in the booking form's fun facts, such as "He knows Santa can't bring everything." Keep it simple and positive.
Handling a list that keeps changing
Lists change. A child may swap items the night before the call. That is fine.
- Use the booking form for the main ideas. Remind your child that they can tell Santa about anything new.
- Do not edit the child's real wishes to match what you have already bought. Let them speak for themselves.
What happens on the call
Santa will greet your child by name and, based on the details you shared, ask about a favorite thing or two. The conversation is warm and unhurried. It is a meet-and-greet, not an interview, so your child does not have to say everything on the list. If you want a deeper dive on what to ask, read what to ask Santa on a video call.
A quick wish list checklist
- Talk first, write second
- Sort into want, need and do or give
- Pick three to five favorites
- Add a "because" to each
- Include one wish for someone else
- Practice once, gently
- Enter the favorites and fun facts at booking
When you are ready, book the live call or order a video message. Prices are on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
How many items should be on the wish list I give Santa?
Three to five is plenty for a 10 minute call. A short list makes it easier for your child to talk about each item and for Santa to ask follow-up questions.
Can I enter more than one child's wishes?
The booking form takes one child's details. If siblings will be on the call, add their names, ages and a wish or two to the fun facts box so Santa can greet them as well.
What if my child changes their mind before the call?
That is completely normal. Your child can tell Santa about the new idea in the moment, and the details you entered will still give the conversation a warm start.
Do I have to fill in a wish list at all?
A list is helpful, and it does not need to be perfect. Even a couple of items and a few fun facts give Santa something personal to talk about.