What to do if your kid is scared of Santa

Is your child afraid of Santa Claus? Fear not!

The holiday season is magical and fun for new parents but can also be a time of stress, especially as many people prepare to visit or host their own Christmas celebrations. If you have a Santa Shy kid, don’t worry. Believe it or not, a lot of kids fear this holiday being.

How about a red droopy-suit stranger? [for some kids] So for all those little kids who are scared more than they are excited to meet this masked guy, never fear! Well how do you turn that fear into festive cheer? Here we will discuss a few tactics out of the many to get your child over their festive phobia or just about any other deep-rooted concern and help you raise another holiday lover similar to yourself!

Why Children Are Scared of Santa

First, Santa is a stranger—children are taught early on to be wary of strangers. Even though we all know that Santa is a jolly, sweetheart, it seems daunting to sit on another man’s lap or stand near him when he has an enormous beard and lots of old laughs with boots.

Strange costumes that adults love to look at or imagine Santa in a red suit with a hat and bushy white beard, but for children this big charm can seem unrealistic.

They need everything to be familiar and routine, so seeing Santa now throws them out of their comfort zone. It’s confusing to view him as if he were someone from a story or TV screen. Malls or holiday events where Santa is located always have a very busy, crowded, and overwhelming environment that tends to stress autistic kids more.

First off, it is important to recognize these fears in order to address them and make children feel at ease around this Christmas character. But with some patience and reassurance, kids eventually find a way to enjoy the tradition without anxiety.

Santa and The Psychology of A Child

Santa is an iconic figure. With his hearty belly, jolly laugh, and larger than life red suit, the image of him can be a bit over-the-top. Adults find it all to be a bit of a laugh, but small children might just see Santa as intimidating. Kids have huge imaginations, so a person that larger-than-life can put them on the defense, making them seem small or weak in contrast.

It also might be kind of terrifying to think that a stranger is going to come into the home while everybody else was asleep; you know how children are so innocent. Although, to be fair as an adult I chuckle at the idea of Santa coming down a chimney… but it has occurred to me many kids would find the thought of someone entering their house rather unnerving, no matter how good that person is.

The Magic That Some Kids Do Not Receive

Every child is different; some have more temperate traits than others. Some kids are happy to run up to Santa, and others a little more hesitant. Children who are more cautious by nature about strangers might experience discomfort with meeting Santa. This sensitivity is often heightened when they are in a novel or over-stimulating environment, such as an already crowded mall, or meeting with someone new.

Santa can also seem “out of place,” another common problem in his caricatured form. Routines make children feel secure and routine variations might upset them. To have a bearded man in red suit occupying the center of most shopping mall would seem an occurrence more than slightly odd to them. Instead, they have not yet learned that Santa is part of the traditions associated with Christmas so to them, he appears as an oddity in their every day world.

Parents can more easily support children whose natural behavior does not encompass the magic of Santa when they realize that all kids do not automatically embrace it. You do not need to push them into the experience; in the end, its more about being joyful during these holidays.

How To Tell If Your Child Is Scared Of Santa

Some children may be completely honest when they tell you that their are scared of Santa, but others will show more subtle signs of concern. These signals are cues often parents pick up on, without even realizing it is a Santa related topic. Knowing Santa-induced anxiety signals is useful for parents to ease through holidays without too much stress.

1. Clinging or Seeking Comfort

One of the most frequent anxiety symptoms in children is requiring reassurance from a secure, supportive adult. A child who gets clingier as the holidays approach or when they see Santa-related decorations could be experiencing some unease.

They may become clingy, stick by you like Velcro and refuse to do anything or go anywhere if Santa is due to appear. This is likely a sign that they are more comfortable around you and not sure what to do about this new or scary object.

2. Putting Santa-Free Zones in Place

Avoidance is a big red flag as well. Your child may hide behind you when they see Santa at the mall or refuse to enter a room with decorations of Santa; in this case, your little one is probably feeling anxious. They may even avoid holiday events where they are aware Santa or some mention of him will be made, or sit in the car while older children attend parties.

3. Freezing or Becoming Silent

Other children might not weep or hold on, but rather freeze up or fall silent and they approach Santa. This reaction typically comes from feeling overloaded.

Your normally non-stop chatterer hushes at the sight of Santa or avoids any holiday activity with that bearded portly guy. The “freeze” reaction is a typical response to anxiety when they do not know what else to cope.

4. Physical Signs of Discomfort

You might even see physical examples, such as fingers fidgeting or looking down to the ground and crossing arms among children. They might not look at Santa in the eye, pick on their dresses or engage in other nervous movements like nail-biting or hand-wringing. Much can be learned from these physical cues in addition to any words of fear spoken.

5. Sudden Changes in Behavior

Watch for dramatic changes in your child’s behavior over the holidays. A child who is normally quite active may instead become very quiet and withdrawn. However, another quiet youngster might become more acting out behavior-wise or have a much harder time paying attention to routine tasks. These changes in behavior might just be related to the fact they are feeling worried about Santa or other holiday experiences.

Identifying these signs helps parents react by being supportive. But if your child is experiencing anxiety, be gently with them and give them space to feel in their feelings. Rather than forcing them to sit on Santa’s tree, give some calming words, gentle not then assure they are permitted for unease.

How to Prepare Your Youngster for Santa

There is no hurry if your child feels anxious to meet Santa. Gradually getting them ready in the run up to Christmas and at their own pace can lower any anxieties and make it so much more fun when they meet Santa. So, I thought of certain strategies that can make Santa for Kids less intimidating and much more fun.

1. Take Small Steps

Santa is something that many kids need to get used to or warmed-up to him; find out the best ways on how you trickle in his appearances so no child will be afraid of Santa here. You can start by reading books or stories on tales of Santa in a playful and friendly manner. Seek out picture books in which Santa is portrayed as a benign, kind figure who brings joy and magic to the story rather than his massive physique.

Show them pictures of kids smiling on Santa’s lap or waving from a distance. That can build the positive associations and make Santa less of a stranger. We should be talking about some kids are cool with sitting on Santas lap, while others would rather just wave and that is perfectly fine.

Movies and TV Shows: This is another awesome way to ease Santa into your home for the holiday season. Choose innocent, child-friendly programs with a jolly Santa. When watching these shows together, you can gauge your child’s reactions and discuss any feelings or thoughts about jolly old Santa in a relaxed setting.

2. Stop By Santa-Free Holiday Events First

If your child is feeling anxious about meeting Santa, performing fun family activities that do not put so much emphasis on seeing our big red friend can help foster a more positive attitude towards the festive season.

Go to light displays holiday parades or community tree lighting events – there you can see Santa, but from afar In doing so, these events provide this special holiday window where kids get lost in the havoc and old-school hype of Christmas.

Crafting, like painting ornaments or decorating gingerbread houses can also set up for a more positive experience in the holiday season without having to worry if Santa is coming.

3. Go at Your Child’s Pace

Take it easy, and wait to get Santa in! As cool and relevant as this variety may be, both excesses also give the audience a medicine—very few of those in positions of influence can actually get into books like The Way… Little ones may take time to get used to the idea, but many kids will eventually become comfortable with walking in and strapping themselves in.

Encourage your child by allowing them as much interaction with Santa on their terms—whether that be waving from across the street, sitting next door for a picture or even just watching only! By being patient and understanding, you can coach your child to accept their comfort level with meeting Santa a little more bravely…with lots of cheer.

4. Gently Explain Santa to Your Child

To be the child of a Christmas family and to start having some vague fears about Santa Claus means that you might have to tread lightly or it will break your little heart.

Even though sharing the magic of Santa is an exciting milestone, its important to talk nakedly about what some kids believe and others don’t. Don’t put pressure on them; just assure them how acceptable they feel.

5. Keep the Conversation Light

First tackle their phobias calmly and serenely. If your child is nervous or cautious about Santa, resist the urge to tell them they have nothing to be afraid of! You can say instead, “I get why you might think Santa is scary because he’s a new and different thing.”

Don’t be too forceful, though. Though it might be tempting to pressure your child into interacting with Santa, putting them in an uncomfortable situation will only add more anxiety. Remind them that it is normal to feel nervous and this whole process has the same fragility as a newborn foal, but all children turn out okay. Don’t let Santa be a burden; keep the conversation lighthearted so that your child feels less nervous.

6. Tell them that Santa is a nice man but you do not have to agree with him.

Just keep reminding them that Santa is a fun part of the holiday, but he should not NEED to have physical contact unless some very specific and unfortunate set of events were to occur. Let your child know it is their decision to engage with Santa in the way that works for them. See you soon, Santa” This way they can wave or watch quietly on the side as some kids do love to talk and tell santa what haven’t him/ her all year for Christmas, so just follow your child’s lead.

Please note, this is not a graded activity and meeting Santa certainly isn’t mandatory for the entire holiday season. Try reminding your child that they can still experience all of the magic and wonder from a safe distance, without sitting on Santa’s lap or talking to him. Let them know there are a lot of other things to do for fun and celebration.

When you present Santa as optional to the celebration, you are allowing your child an element of choice in how they experience this time of year. It lets them feel more confident about choosing what they can handle, therefore reducing anxiety and justifies the fun for everyone in time.

Speaking candidly about Santa in a calm and reassuring tone gives her the freedom to truthfully work through how she truly feels without mental breakdown. It can take time, patience, and understanding — or it might never happen with certain kids and that’s okay too. The objective is to ensure that they feel safe and supported no matter what, or how little, of the holiday fun.

Alternatives to a Santa Visit

For many of us, our memories include a visit to Santa once a year but it is not the holiday for every child. Thankfully, that is no longer required since there are so many other great and often less overwhelming ways to enjoy the holiday season with or without visits for pics with Santa! Instead, offer a few more engaging options that can still help your child feel in tune with the spirit of Christmas.

1. Compose a Letter to Santa as One

If you want something more meaningful than a quick text, then have your child write to one of these Santa’s by sending them a letter. This nice low-key visit allows them to do holiday stuff, but not be stuck in the house like when a family comes over. A letter to Santa is a nice way for your child to write out their Christmas wishes, ask questions perhaps or just tell him what they are proudest of during the holiday season.

You can create a special place for letter writing at home. Collecting some holiday-themed stationery, pens and stickers (and maybe even a little glitter) to jazz up the letter. It can be an opportunity for your child to write or draw accordingly, whatever he likes. If so, you can transcribe their thoughts for them if they are not ready to write on your own. The secret is not to get in the way of them having their own experience, and keeping it as fun and imaginative orientated as humanly (or robotically) possible.

When the letter is done, bring him to a mailbox or one of those special “Santa Mailboxes” at your local post office and/or holiday event. Add Transient For some families, it might even turn into a tradition to write the letters on (for example) December 1, which would make the Christmas holidays extra fun!

2. Celebrate Other Holiday Traditions

Yes, Santa Claus is quite probably the most recognized part of Christmas for children. But there are tons of other traditions you can indulge in to make your home feel celebratory and magical. Recentering your holiday around these traditions will help you to keep that magic alive for your young child without adding pressure about Santa.

3. Baking Holiday Treats

Baking as a family is one of the BEST hands-on, memory-making activities you can do! Whether you start with classic sugar cookies, gingerbread men or your family has a festive Italian recipe of its own, there is no shortage of mixing and decorating (and tasting!) to help everyone through the season. You can even bake a few more and give away to neighbors friends, and family.

You can bake cookies to eat after dinner, or you can cook a special batch for Santa on Christmas Eve. This way, your kid can still be part of the Santa experience but not you while avoiding some or all of the stress. Have them ice and sprinkle the cookies to make it more personal for each child.

4. Decorating the House

Yet another festive tradition is decorating your home. Decorating is the holiday spirit in action, whether it means trimming a Christmas tree or lighting up (a little or a lot) and ornamenting away the living room. For some decorations, you can get your child involved and this is a way for them to help do something small like hanging ornaments or setting up things in the house.

Allow your child to lead by choosing one new ornament every year or setting the star/angel at the top of cheerful on his own. Doing this makes the place feel warm and festive, which adds to that magical holiday spirit as well it is a great time for storytelling about your family traditions or memories from when you were growing up.

5. Holiday books and storytelling

It is a warm, homey and loving tradition of storytelling you can share with children —of all ages- this holiday season. We all read the same Christmas books night after night with The Night Before Christmas; maybe a little bit of The Polar Express, and always How the Grinch Stole Christmas (a new edition for everyone). Turn storytelling into an evening prompt during the holiday season, making Christmas that much more attainable.

For older children, they might even like to share own Christmas-tales or create their take on how Santa and his reindeer spend the night. That tradition helps perpetuate the magic of the season, and it grows your kid’s love for storytelling!

6. Emphasize Family Customs

Every family has its own special customs and traditions that make the holidays merry. Whether it be religious or cultural celebrations, the coming together of your family members from across distances, or feasting around a holiday meal — these moments signify as lush and satisfying manner to joyfully welcome new beginnings.

Highlight any holiday customs that your family has, such as lighting candles, singing carols, or attending special services. These traditions can give kids the consistency and routine of seasonal customs — helping them connect to the holidays more than just through Santa). Children can also partake in these traditions, which may be as simple as laying the table for a special meal or lighting the first candle on an advent wreath.

How to Handle Santa Meet & Greets When Your Child is Afraid

1. Stand Back and Watch First

Letting your child see Santa in action can help make him less scary. However, sometimes watching other kids meet Santa before their turn comes up can help ease those nerves. It does not pressure them to make a decision that they may be uncomfortable with while also giving her time and space process the situation. You can try to nudge your child gently by mentioning how Santa is bringing happiness to other children as well but never push them into it.

2. Let Your Child Lead

But it is important to also take into account your child’s level of comfort. If you rush them along to go meet Santa, it could only cause their fear of the experience to skyrocket even more. Instead, allow them to set the pace. It is imperative that your children know what those feelings and thoughts are okay, also if they choose not to sit up or visit Santa from a distance. Doing this helps them feel more understood and less alone in their nervousness. Reassure them it is okay to watch and that Santa will still wave or smile from the other side of the room.

3. Offer Positive Reinforcement

If you see your child taking even the smallest of steps toward Santa, commend their courage. When these situations arise, celebrate them with praise like the phrase, “You were so brave as you waved to Santa!” Celebrating our vulnerability is important, as that allows us to feel braver in taking the tiny acts of courage. At the same time, if your child is not quite ready take Santas lap then it is important to still acknowledge and praise them for their feelings. Say thank you for them telling you how comfortable they are, and acknowledge that sometimes being brave can also just be really knowing when something feels like too much.

In conclusion: Celebrate the Holidays in Your Own Way

Ultimately, every family holidays differently and the greatest gift you can give is to respect your child’s need for comfort. After all, the holidays are supposed to be a joyful time of year — full of warmth and memories with loved ones… so why not skip out on traditions that you truly feel don’t fit your family?! And if skipping the Santa visit this year seems like the best option, so be it. The truth is, there are a million other ways to embrace the season that could make up for it between quieter moments at home or decorating your tree as part of this year’s tradition without Santa.