It's that festive time of year once again! The shimmering lights, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and the excitement of Santa's imminent arrival – the holiday season is a wondrous time for children! As parents and grandparents, witnessing the sparkle of wonder and joy in our little ones' eyes is one of the greatest pleasures.
Here's how to keep Santa's magic alive as our children grow older:
Santa-themed Movie Nights
Organize cheerful movie nights featuring none other than the man in the red suit himself! Bring the family together to enjoy timeless Santa-themed films like "The Polar Express" and "Miracle on 34th Street." These heartwarming tales will reignite the magic of Santa and his timeless message.
Read Santa Stories
Gather around and share captivating holiday-themed books and stories featuring the cheerful old man, such as the timeless classic "The Night Before Christmas." Snuggle by the fire, sip hot cocoa, and let the magic of these tales transport you to the North Pole, where Santa is busy preparing for the most magical night of the year.
Letters to Santa
Ignite your kids' excitement by encouraging them to write heartfelt letters to Santa! It's not just about conveying their holiday wishes; it's about preserving the magic. Have them place those special letters by the fireplace, and when they mysteriously disappear, reveal the North Pole secret – Santa is already en route!
💡 Looking for a wish list template? Head over to the Life Is Better With Friends Freebies page and download their complimentary Christmas Wish List.
Elf on the Shelf
Introduce the Elf on the Shelf, the mystical guardian of Santa's secrets! Place this mischievous little helper around your home in playful positions. Your kids will delight in the daily adventure of discovering its new hiding spots, and the elf's nightly report to Santa serves as a fantastic incentive for good behavior!
💡 Let your Elf on the Shelf add their special touch to your child's 'My Friends and I' book with their answers to all the questions and their signature. You can even let them take it on one of their nightly magical trips back to the North Pole, where other busy elves, each with their unique roles, can join in on the signing fun. The more, the merrier!
Enlist the Help of Trusted Sources
Encourage family members and close friends to contribute to the belief in Santa by sharing stories, photos, and anecdotes from their own childhood. This collaborative effort helps to keep the magic alive.
Bake Cookies for Santa
Adding a sprinkle of magic to the season, baking cookies for Santa is a delightful way for kids to partake in the holiday excitement and express gratitude for Santa's hard work.
Santa Workshop and Santa’s Helpers
Let your kids play Santa's helpers by setting up a workshop at home. They can create and wrap gifts for loved ones or donate them to charitable organizations, fostering the spirit of giving. Alternatively, attend a Santa's workshop in town for crafts and interaction with Santa's helpers.
Santa Pictures
Whether at a mall, holiday event, or virtually, visiting Santa is a tradition that sustains the magic. Encourage your kids to share their wishes, sit on Santa's lap, and capture the moment with a photo for cherished memories.
💡 Bring your child’s My Friends and I memory book and have them ask Santa to sign it. They will learn so much about Santa and have solid Santa-proof in their own book!
Santa's Special Wrapping Paper
Use distinct wrapping paper for gifts from Santa, emphasizing that it's magical paper only he possesses. This adds a touch of mystery and maintains the holiday spirit.
Santa Tracker
With technology, tracking Santa's journey on Christmas Eve is easy. Have your kids follow Santa's sleigh on websites like NORAD's Santa Tracker or Google’s Santa Tracker, building excitement as he gets closer.
Milk and Cookies for Santa, Carrots for the Reindeer
Leaving out treats for Santa and his reindeer is a festive tradition. It's a joyful way to spread Christmas magic and create lasting memories.
No Chimney? No Problem!
Explain the magic key concept to kids in homes without chimneys, symbolizing Santa's access. Place a special key near the front door for added symbolism.
‘My Friends and I’ Book Signed by Santa
What if your little one could discover more about Santa and his life at the North Pole? After all, which kid hasn't been curious about Santa's favorite snacks, the tunes that keep him company on his skyward journey, the games he and Mrs. Claus share at their cozy kitchen table, and so much more? All you need to do is have your child place their My Friends and I book next to the milk, cookies, and carrots, and add a sweet note asking Santa to reveal these mysteries by signing and answering the questions in their book. If that doesn't prove that Santa is real, what does?
💡 Make sure to use different handwriting or ask someone else to sign the book on Santa's behalf! Kids will catch on to these simple mistakes.
Personalized Letters from Santa
Create handwritten notes from Santa for your children, expressing gratitude or acknowledging their letters and behavior. This personal touch enhances the magic.
💡 Make Santa's note double as a bookmark to mark the pages in your child's My Friends and I book, which Santa has personally filled out and signed.
Santa Proof
Enhance the thrill by leaving magical "clues" of Santa's visit, like snowy footprints or thank-you notes. Creative touches fuel their belief.
Santa on Video
Go the extra mile by dressing up as Santa on Christmas Eve, filming yourself enjoying milk and cookies, and placing gifts under the tree. This cinematic touch adds to the magic.
The key to sustaining belief in Santa is nurturing wonder and imagination. Transform the holiday season into a time of togetherness, where Santa's enchanting magic is an integral part of the celebration. In doing so, you'll keep the belief in Santa alive, reminding everyone that, indeed, "Santa is real."
So, maintain that festive spirit, the sparkle in your eye, and the enchantment in your heart. Your kids will feel the magic and pass it on to generations. After all, believing in Santa isn't just for kids – it's for the young at heart too!
🎁 Holiday Special 🎁
Enjoy a $5 discount on Life Is Better With Friends' My Friends and I book throughout December. Use promo code JOY at checkout. 🎁