Notes for a visit with "Santa" Chuck B.

Please READ each item carefully.  "Santa" Chuck B. expects each visit to have these preparations arranged before his arrival. 

1. Contact with "Santa" Chuck B. is by email at santachuckb@gmail.com.  E-mails are the way he keeps up with our contact. 

"Santa" Chuck B. will use text messages as well to confirm details on the day of your event.

2. Before "Santa" Chuck B. arrives, please make certain:

a) pets have been put away (Pets handle people's excitement differently. They don't need the stress of being included.)

b) you have a sturdy chair (not a rocking chair) set up in a picturesque place (this will be the backdrop for your photos)

c) make certain that your phone has enough memory for pictures or your camera is prepared.

d) if you plan on having Santa deliver gifts, please make certain that the presents are wrapped (not in gift bags) with the name highly visible on the package (not a gift tag...they fall off).  The gifts should be placed in a black trash bag at a predetermined location.

e) have quests arrive 30 minutes before Santa is to show up.  He does not want to walk up with attendees.

f) reserve a place for Santa to park (use a trash can's placement in the driveway if you need to).  Guests will arrive before Santa, but he should not have to walk a block to park and then get to the house.  When Santa texts to let you know he is in the area, have someone go out and clear the space for him to park.

g) any blinds are pulled closed to set an atmosphere of anticipation of Santa's arrival.  (Seeing him walk up takes away from the magic.)

h) explain to the children that Santa only goes house-to-house with reindeer on Christmas Eve.  On other occasions, he flies them into the nearest farm and travels by car to this location.  (This helps little ones understand why Santa doesn't have deer with him and why he uses the door.)

i) Keep your phone handy to monitor texts from "Santa" Chuck B. and have your camera ready to capture Santa's entry.

3.  During "Santa" Chuck B.'s visit, please:

a) turn the television to playing seasonal music softly in the background or off.

b) make certain that the chair you have designated for your Santa visit is clear and available for use.

c) invite adults that want to attend to Santa's visit to gather with the children.

d) invite adults that are engaged in other activities or conversation to relocate to an area out of hearing range. (Santa should not have to speak over the volume of the crowd.)

e) make sure that anyone that wants to have their photo made with Santa, gets their picture made.  

4. At the end of "Santa" Chuck B.'s visit, please:

a) hand Santa a "Christmas card" in an envelope that contains any payment or donation for his visit.  This is a discreet way that children will not question.  If you need an explanation, say that it's a Christmas card for Mrs. Santa.

b) help continue the magic by walking Santa to the door and do not allow children to go outside at that time.