Wondering how it all works?
Santa 603 strives to make every visit a memorable and meaningful visit, thus the following should be used as guidelines and rules for his visits.
Order of Events: (Santa and Santa 603 to be used interchangeably throughout)
Santa 603 will arrive approximately ten minutes before the planned time and notify the hosts upon arrival.
If gift distribution is part of the visit, the gifts should be delivered or handed to Santa 603 beforehand. Leaving presents in a bag in an opened garage is also acceptable.
Santa will knock on the door upon arrival and prefers a child to answer the door.
Santa recommends being the sole attraction during the visit, as other distractions may detract from the children's experience.
Santa will greet everyone in the main room and proceed to tell a story of how he came to visit.
Santa 603 will read "The Night Before Christmas" or another Christmas story book.
Depending on the crowd, timing, and host's desire, Santa may read another Christmas story.
Santa will then share the story of the First Christmas, explaining the true meaning of Christmas.
The adults will form a line, allowing children to sit on Santa's lap or stand next to him for candid and posed photos. Adults are also welcome in the photos.
Santa will distribute presents for everyone to open simultaneously.
Santa will make his exit, either by magically disappearing as the presents are opened or by bidding farewell after watching them open the presents.
These are suggestions for a standard visit and changes can certainly be discussed prior to the visit.
Rules:
The time frame for the visit will be 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the crowd size. Specifics should be discussed prior to the visit.
Santa will not wear a watch and will focus on providing a complete visit that leaves everyone with a smile. He will not rush the visit but will also not overstay his welcome.
Santa will only respond to common names for Santa such as "Santa," "Santa Claus," "Kris Kringle," "Father Christmas," or "St. Nick."
Santa should be seated in a sturdy chair, preferably against a backdrop such as the Christmas tree or mantel, to ensure good photo opportunities. Lighting and the overall picture should be considered.
For safety reasons, all children must be supervised by a host adult throughout the visit. Santa will not pick up a child, requiring the assistance of a host.
Children's hands and diapers should be clean to protect Santa's suit, which was made by Mrs. Claus.
Santa should not be left alone with children at any time, and at least one adult must be present for the safety of both Santa and the children.
Santa purpose is to share the magic and joy of Christmas, with an emphasis on the birth of Jesus Christ as the true meaning of Christmas.
If appropriate, Santa may pray with a child whose Christmas wish goes beyond Santa's power, such as healing the sick or bringing back lost loved ones.
Hosts are allowed to take pictures of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Elves for personal use only. Selling images without Santa Rich's permission is prohibited, but sharing images with him is encouraged.
Payment and optional tips should be placed in a Christmas card and offered to Santa as he departs, or can be made in advance of visit. Children should not witness Santa accepting any form of compensation.
It is crucial to maintain the integrity of Santa in front of the children to preserve their belief in the magic of Christmas.
The option for Mrs. Claus to accompany Santa can be discussed prior to the visit.
Food or drink should be kept at least fifteen feet away from Santa, and smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of Santa.