Make Christmas Magical Hire a Santa for Breakfast or Tea
As the Christmas season approaches, families and communities eagerly anticipate festive events that bring the magic of Christmas to life. Among the most cherished traditions are “Breakfast or Tea with Santa” events, where children and their families can enjoy a delicious meal while interacting with the jolly man himself.
These events have grown in popularity as they offer a unique, intimate way for children to experience the wonder of Christmas. But the key to making these events truly magical lies in hiring a professional Santa Claus. In this blog, we’ll explore why hiring a professional Santa is essential for a successful “Breakfast with Santa” or “Tea with Santa” event, the benefits of working with an experienced Santa, and tips for organising an event that leaves families with unforgettable Christmasy memories.
Why a Professional Santa Makes All the Difference
When planning a Christmasy event centred around Santa Claus, the most important aspect is, of course, Santa himself. The presence of a professional Santa can make a world of difference, turning a simple meal into a magical experience. Here’s why hiring a professional is crucial:
1. Creating an Authentic Experience
Children are experts at spotting the “real” Santa from imposters. A professional Santa is experienced in embodying the role to perfection—whether it’s his iconic “Ho, ho, ho!” laugh, the way he listens carefully to every child’s wishes, or his cheerful and warm demeanour. A professional Santa knows how to make each child feel like they are truly in the presence of the real Father Christmas.
Professional Santas typically come with the full costume, complete with the traditional red velvet suit, white beard, boots, and even a real leather belt. They are trained to maintain Santa’s character throughout the event, ensuring that the magic stays intact from start to finish. This attention to detail creates an immersive experience that children will remember for years to come.
2. Engaging and Entertaining Guests
A professional Santa is much more than a figure who shows up for pictures—he is the heart of the event. Whether it’s mingling with guests, leading sing-alongs of Christmas carols, or reading “The Night Before Christmas,” a skilled Santa knows how to entertain and engage children and adults alike.
For “Breakfast with Santa” or “Tea with Santa” events, a professional Santa can be actively involved in the festivities, keeping the excitement high throughout the meal. Whether he’s handing out presents, answering children’s questions about the North Pole, or sharing stories of his reindeer and elves, a good Santa will keep everyone entertained and in the Christmasy spirit.
3. Handling Children with Care
Children have high expectations when it comes to Santa Claus, and meeting him can be an emotional experience. Some children are overwhelmed with excitement, while others might be shy or even nervous about meeting Santa. A professional Santa is trained to handle all types of interactions with care and compassion, ensuring that each child feels comfortable and special.
They know how to create a warm, welcoming environment, whether by offering a gentle smile, a kind word, or engaging a shy child in conversation. They can calm any anxious little ones and ensure that the interaction is a positive experience for everyone involved.
4. Photo Opportunities
A big part of “Breakfast with Santa” and “Tea with Santa” events is the opportunity for families to capture special moments with Santa. Professional Santas understand how to pose for photos that create lasting memories. They are patient, understanding that families want the perfect picture, and know how to interact with children to make them feel relaxed during the photo session.
A professional Santa will help ensure that every photo captures the magic of the moment, whether it’s a child’s eyes lighting up as they tell Santa their Christmas wish or a family gathering around the table for a festive group shot.
Planning a Magical “Breakfast with Santa” or “Tea with Santa” Event
Once you’ve decided to hire a professional Santa, it’s time to plan the rest of the event to ensure it’s an unforgettable experience for everyone. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect “Breakfast with Santa” or “Tea with Santa” event:
1. Choose the Right Venue
The setting for your event is key to creating a festive, welcoming atmosphere. Consider hosting the event at a cosy restaurant, a local community centre, or even a large hotel ballroom, depending on the size of your gathering. Make sure the venue is decorated with Christmas lights, garlands, and Christmas trees to set the mood.
For smaller, more intimate gatherings, consider venues that offer family-style dining or communal seating, where Santa can easily move around and interact with the children and families. For larger events, ensure there’s a designated space where Santa can be the centre of attention, whether that’s at a special seat or at a beautifully decorated Santa grotto.
2. Craft a Festive Menu
The menu for your event is an important part of the overall experience. For “Breakfast with Santa,” offer a spread of classic breakfast items like pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and pastries. You can also add festive touches like gingerbread pancakes, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and candy cane garnishes.
For “Tea with Santa,” opt for a traditional afternoon tea spread with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a variety of Christmas-themed cookies and cakes. Include kid-friendly options like hot chocolate and fruit punch alongside more traditional tea offerings for the adults.
3. Incorporate Fun Activities
To keep children engaged throughout the event, plan fun Christmasy-themed activities. Craft stations where kids can make Christmas ornaments, write letters to Santa, or decorate cookies are always a hit. You could also arrange for Christmasy face painting or a festive photo booth with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and elf ears.
For a truly magical experience, organize a special storytelling time where Santa reads a Christmasy classic like “The Polar Express” or “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” This can be followed by a Christmas carol sing-along, led by Santa himself.
4. Gift Giving
Many “Breakfast with Santa” and “Tea with Santa” events include a gift-giving moment. Coordinate with your Santa to hand out small, pre-wrapped presents to the children, such as Christmas ornaments, candy canes, or small toys. You could also consider having each child receive a special “Certificate of Niceness” signed by Santa, which adds a personal touch and a keepsake to remember the day.
5. Timing and Flow
It’s important to plan the timing and flow of the event to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Typically, “Breakfast with Santa” or “Tea with Santa” events last about 90 minutes to two hours, giving families enough time to eat, participate in activities, and have meaningful interactions with Santa. Plan a schedule that allows Santa to visit each table or group, ensuring every family gets their special moment.
Making Christmasy Dreams Come True with a Professional Santa
A well-planned “Breakfast with Santa” or “Tea with Santa” event can become the highlight of the Christmasy season for families, creating lasting memories that children will cherish for years to come. The key to making these events truly magical lies in hiring a professional Santa who brings authenticity, joy, and warmth to the occasion.
From engaging with guests to providing magical photo opportunities, a professional Santa will ensure that your event is not only festive but also filled with the wonder of Christmas. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large community event, hiring a skilled Santa Claus is the best way to spread Christmasy cheer and make the event unforgettable for all who attend.