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A toddler's first Santa call is less about conversation and more about a moment. Your two-year-old may stare, wave, hide, point at the beard or announce "doggy!" at the wrong time. All of that is a success. This guide helps you plan the call around how toddlers really behave, so you can enjoy it instead of steering it.
What a toddler call really looks like
Most toddlers have a few minutes of focus at a time, limited vocabulary and strong feelings about strangers. Expect a call that goes in waves: curious, wiggly, quiet, curious again.
Here is a realistic picture of 10 minutes:
- The first minute or two: your child studies the screen.
- The middle: short bursts of waving, pointing or showing a toy.
- The end: a wave goodbye, or a sudden interest in a snack.
Santa knows this rhythm. He talks gently, keeps his sentences short and does most of the work himself. Our live Santa video call is 10 minutes, one-on-one, and a real-beard Santa in a velvet suit will meet your toddler wherever they are.
Choose the right time
Toddlers do best when they are fed, rested and not overstimulated.
- Weekend mornings are often the sweet spot. Many toddlers are at their happiest after breakfast.
- Evening slots (Tuesday and Thursday, Pacific time) can work if your child is not overtired by then. If bedtime is at 7 and the call is at 6:45, think twice.
- Avoid scheduling right on top of a nap or a big meal.
Slots run Nov 28 to Dec 24, 2026 and are limited, so look at the calendar early. See best time of day for a Santa call for more.
Fill in the booking form for a toddler
The form takes your child's name, age, wish list and fun facts. For a toddler, concrete and visual beats abstract.
Good things to share:
- Name and how they say it, if it is a nickname
- A pet's name, or an animal sound they love
- A favorite toy, blanket or book
- A word or two they use, like "bubba" for the bottle or "ba" for ball
- A simple wish, such as "wants a train"
This gives Santa easy things to mention, like, "I hear you have a bear named Gus." Toddlers often light up when they hear familiar words. Siblings can join too, so add their names and ages in the same box.
Before the call
The day before
- Show your toddler a picture of Santa and say, "Santa is going to say hi on the screen."
- Read a short Santa picture book, or sing a song.
- Test your Google Meet link so there are no surprises. The Google Meet guide explains the steps.
An hour before
- Offer a snack and a diaper or potty change.
- Let your toddler burn off energy with a short dance party.
- Choose a calm, familiar spot. See setting up a call corner.
Ten minutes before
- Turn off the TV and silence phones.
- Put a favorite toy within reach.
- Click the link a minute or two early.
During the call: toddler tactics
- 1
Hold your child on your lap
The closeness helps them feel safe.
- 2
Wave first yourself
Toddlers copy.
- 3
Narrate gently
"Look, Santa has a big white beard!"
- 4
Offer a toy to show
Holding up a teddy is a fine conversation.
- 5
Keep expectations tiny
One wave, one smile, one "hi" is plenty.
- 6
Do not force it
If your toddler turns away, let them. They are still listening.
What if they cry or hide?
Plenty of toddlers do. At this age, a big bearded stranger can be startling, even through a screen.
- Stay calm and keep your voice cheerful.
- Step the screen farther away or turn your toddler to face you instead.
- Say, "Santa is a friend. We can look together."
- If it does not settle, say goodbye and try again later with a Santa video message. It is about 30 seconds and $19, which is a gentler dose for little ones.
More on reluctant little ones in what Santa says to shy kids.
Capture the moment (if you want)
You can record your own side on a phone, if you choose to. A few seconds of your toddler waving is a treasure later. Prop the phone beside you so you are not holding it during the call.
Let go of the outcome
You may get a toddler who blows kisses and a toddler who stares at a spot behind the screen. Both are real toddlers. Years from now, the story will be funny either way. Our toddler Santa call page has more on what to expect, and ideas by age shows how the call changes as your child grows.
A short checklist
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 minutes too long for a toddler?
It can feel long, but toddlers tend to drift in and out. Santa keeps things gentle, and you can end the call early if your child is done.
Should my toddler talk to Santa?
Not necessarily. A wave, a smile or showing a toy counts. Santa can do most of the talking.
Can my toddler sit on my lap?
Yes. Families are welcome to sit with the child at home, and a lap is often the best seat.
What if my toddler is afraid?
That is common. Stay calm, reduce the screen size or step back, and consider a short video message instead.