How to prepare your child for a Santa call
A little preparation turns a nervous hello into a confident chat. Here is what to do the week before, the hour before and during the call.
Calls are 10 minutes, one-on-one, on Google Meet. Siblings are welcome.
- Price
- $39 paid in full at booking
- Length
- 10 minutes one-on-one
- Platform
- Google Meet no account needed
- Calls run
- Nov 28 to Dec 24 limited times
The goal: comfortable, not perfect
Santa calls go best when a child feels safe and curious. You do not need to coach a speech. Your job is to set the scene, share details so Santa can start the conversation and stay close. Whether your child talks nonstop or whispers one word, a kind conversation with Santa is the point.
The week before
- 1
Talk about what will happen
"On Saturday morning, Santa will be on the screen and we will talk to him." Children handle surprises better when they know the plan.
- 2
Look at pictures together
Show a photo of Santa so the real face is familiar.
- 3
Practice video chatting
If your child has talked to grandparents on video, remind them: "It's like talking to Grandma."
- 4
Talk about what they might say
Ask, "What would you tell Santa about your year?" Their answers are material for the call.
- 5
Share details when you book
Give their name, age, wish list and fun facts. The more specific you are, the more personal the chat. Use fun facts to tell Santa for ideas.
Decide on a few things to ask
Children often freeze when put on the spot. Having two or three questions ready helps. Try:
- "What do you do on Christmas Eve?"
- "What is your favorite cookie?"
- "How do you travel so far in one night?"
- "What should I do to be ready for Christmas?"
More ideas are in what to ask Santa on a video call.
Ready to book your live call?
10 minutes, one-on-one on Google Meet. $39, paid in full at booking.
The hour before
Meals and rest
Offer a snack and a quiet play so your child is not hungry or overtired.
Bathroom first
It sounds small, but a mid-call dash ends the moment.
Set up the space
Put the device at your child's eye level. Pick a quiet room with a lamp in front of your child and no TV on.
Check the tech
Open your Meet link a few minutes early. Test the camera, the microphone and your connection. See how it works for a checklist.
Silence your phone
Do Not Disturb avoids interruptions.
Let them dress up if they want
A holiday sweater or pajamas can make it feel special.
During the call
Sit beside your child, especially for ages 2 to 5.
Let Santa lead, then follow your child's cues.
Help with gentle prompts
"Tell Santa about your new puppy." "Show him your drawing."
Avoid correcting
If your child says something unexpected, let it unfold.
Smile and stay relaxed
Children copy your energy.
Keep other family members close but quiet
One grown-up speaking at a time is easier for a child to follow.
Real beard, velvet suit, live on screen
- He already knows your child's name, age and wish list
- Join from a phone, tablet or computer
- Siblings are welcome on the same call
If your child is nervous
- Say, "It is okay to just listen."
- Hold their hand or let them hold a favorite toy.
- Offer a wave instead of words.
- Keep calm. If they step away, that is okay.
For more detail, see our Santa call for toddlers page, which covers shy children and ages 2 to 4.
For older children
School-age children often like having a list of questions. Encourage them to tell Santa about something they are proud of this year. Older kids who are skeptical about Santa may enjoy a lighthearted, warm conversation too. Let them take the lead. Our post on Santa call ideas by age goes deeper.
After the call
Ask, "What was your favorite part?" Write down what they said. You may want to save the memory in a photo or a note. If you want to continue the excitement, a personalized Santa video message can arrive as a surprise later in December. Read how to make a Santa video call magical for more ideas.
Made personal for your child
- Siblings are welcome on the same call
- A live, one-on-one chat on Google Meet
- A real-beard Santa in a velvet suit
Preparation checklist
- Plan explained to your child
- Details shared at booking
- Two or three questions ready
- Snack, bathroom, quiet room
- Device charged and at eye level
- Meet link open a few minutes early
Give your child a moment with Santa
Join Santa live for 10 minutes, or send a personal video message. Live call times are limited, so book early.