How to Be a Good Santa Claus

Co-authored by Leah Morris

Last Updated: September 22, 2024 Approved

If you are dressing as Santa for a Christmas party or as a holiday job, fortunate you. Who would not want to pretend to be him? However, you might be a bit worried you will not be a convincing Santa. Do not worry, just read on.

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A red Santa hat, a red jacket with some white fur on it, a black belt, red pants with white fur on the bottoms, and a pair of black boots is great. If you do not have a long, white beard, do not forget it. Buy one that is as realistic as possible. If you do not have a pair of black boots, some boot covers will do.
He is always smiling, so you should never be frowning. Smile, laugh, and "ho ho ho" as much as possible. Some people feel self-conscious about acting so jolly, but if you have a great costume on, people will not know it is you anyhow. Also, be sure to speak in a deep, jolly voice to sound like Santa.

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If they are sitting on your lap, make sure to ask them what they want for Christmas. When they tell you, try to really listen so you can give them an answer (sometimes, even if you cannot understand them, you can simply laugh and say something like, "That is great!"). Give them a hug or a high five. You can also give a thumbs up; children love that stuff. Some will present the problem of saying you are not the real Santa. You can deal with this problem one way or another.
Tell the child, "Of course I am the real Santa! Ho ho ho!" and give them a candy cane so they will not say anything else that could blow your cover.
I am just a stand-in. The real Santa is busy making toys for everyone in his workshop at the North Pole, so he asked me to come down and visit you. / I thought I would fill in for him." This works well, especially if you have a fake beard because sometimes, that occasional bratty child will try to rip off your fake beard to prove you are not Santa. Plus, the real Santa would want people to spread Christmas cheer, including dressing up as him.
It is the number one rule of being a good Santa. Santa loves all children.
If you are having children sit on your lap or take a picture with you, give them a candy cane from your sack after each child tells you what they want for Christmas and / or take a picture with you. They just love it. If you are at an adult Christmas party, bounce around happily and give candy canes to random adults. Add in the "Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!" line, and you will most likely make them smile.

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Does Santa have to have candy canes?

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Not necessarily, but it's a good way to get people in the Christmas spirit!

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Would it be a good idea if Santa met the kids at the front door before the party started?

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It all depends on the situation. Very young children might feel overwhelmed by Santa's size if he is standing up when they meet him. If there is a chance the children will be frightened, it's better for Santa to be seated and have the kids come to him.

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What should I do if the the child starts to cry in my lap?

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Try shaking your knee a little bit or calling "Ho! Ho! Ho!" You could also distract them with a small toy, a silly question, a smile, or a hug. If the child continues to cry, it might be a good idea to give them back to their parents.

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Do not promise that people will get specific gifts because doing so can really hurt the Santa image and might make you look like a liar. The best thing you can do is say that you will try hard.

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Basically, your role as a Santa impersonator is to help spread the Christmas cheer to everyone you meet (even to yourself). The real Santa is always impressed by spreading Christmas cheer. This also gives you extra points on the nice list and a potential visit from Santa.

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Do not forget to take a picture of yourself before you get out of the costume. It will make a good Christmas card to send out to family and friends.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Let children come to you. Parents forcing their small children to sit on Santa's lap can be a little terrifying. Talk about toys, reindeer, and Mrs. Claus to keep them happy.
If you can find some, apply some candy cane fragrance so you smell good when interacting with children.
Stuff some pillows inside your shirt to make you look jolly like Santa Claus.

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