The Biggest Secret to Making Santa Photos Magical (Even With Toddlers)

Seriously, that’s it.

At Gem State Christmas, our Santa Storybook Encounters are built around this idea. Instead of rushing right into photos, we give every child time to get comfortable first. They meet Santa in a cozy, low-pressure way—reading a book, decorating a cookie, or building a toy together.

This two-minute connection before any “smile for the camera” moments makes all the difference.

When kids see Santa as a friend—not a stranger in a big chair—they naturally relax. Real smiles happen. Joy bubbles up. And the camera simply captures it.

A few bonus tips for stress-free Santa photos:

• Talk about Santa in the days before—read a story, watch a Christmas movie, or "write" a letter to him together.

• Stay close during the first few minutes—sometimes sitting with your child for a quick activity helps them feel safe.

• Don’t rush—kids (and magic) don’t work on a tight clock. Give them the time they need to feel the wonder.

At Gem State Christmas, our mission is simple:
Slow down, make memories, and capture the magic.

And sometimes, all it takes is a little time to let the magic find them. 🎅🏼✨