Every year the masses descend on strip malls, corner stops, mom and pop shops, bazaars and dozens of venues to grab a quick photo or two with “The man in red”. They stand in lines with anxious children waiting for their 1 minute with the big guy. Half way through the line here comes the sign that says “Santa has to feed the reindeer”. So you stand and wait for Santa to finish his lunch break. After all, his employer requires it, Santa is tired. Maybe even wet from the last kid who needs a diaper change. As you begin to wonder why all this happens this way and if it is worth the 2 hour wait in line, you question is answered by the 3 year old, who is having a breakdown because he wants something that his mom just took away.

You look around in desperation and notice the looks on all of the other parents. For better or worse you are all in this together. I mean, you can’t just leave now. That would not be in the Christmas Spirit. Santa comes back and takes his seat. He looks up smiles and waves. You can tell it is wearing on him as well. He tries not to let on. The photographer barks orders for the next family in line and is clearly bothered by the little girl who just now needs to go to the bathroom. She calls for the next child and they trip over their untied shoe trying to get to Santa. After all, every second counts. And boy are they counting!

Now I won’t place the blame on Santa. In fact, most Santas do not even want to have this typical mall scenario happen. If it were up to them, they would love to sit and take their time with each family. That is not what they have been hired to do. The above scenario is not so fondly called “The Love and Shove” in the Christmas industry of Claus portrayal artists. A few well known children’s entertainment industries call it this as well.

Here is how the whole process typically works. A photography company is contracted with an establishment. The idea is to get people in the door and while they are there, to spend money. The photography outfit then hires a Santa. Mall Santas generally make the least amount of money per hour than other Santas who do all of their own bookings. They take it because more often than not, their season is filled allowing them to not worry about if they will have events or not.

Of course, the photographer is working, more often than not, for a company who only sees you and your family as money in the bank. The end result is often less than merry for everyone except for the mall and photography company. Stress is high for everyone.

Very often community events, even if money is not exchanged, work this way due to the shear size of the crowds. Yet year after year this what the masses do. Why? Because they do not know of the other opportunities and choices available to them.

Now I don’t want to paint a bleak picture, but chances are you can relate to the above scenario.

What if I told you that there is an alternative? In fact there are several of them! I take pride in offering something different. Something that everyone can enjoy. It takes out the “chore” of bringing the kids to see Santa year after year.

With Father Christmas of the Three Mountains I offer home visits, family visits to the studio, and I partner with local photographers who are self-employed business owners to bring you much more than just a photo with Santa. Yes, these types of event cost you money. But that money is not going into the pockets of corporations. It is staying right here in your communities!

Photos are the last thing on my mind when I visit with you and your whole family. I am much more concerned with spreading the Christmas Spirit! Regardless of which of these three options you take, you get my full undivided attention for the duration of our visit. No screaming kids (unless they are your own), No long lines, no barking orders, and no “love and shove”. Take control this holiday season. See Santa on your terms. End the Christmas rat race.

Home Visits

These visits are ones that I make to your house. Designed to be fully interactive with the family they can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Plenty of time for everyone’s requests to be heard, stories to be told or read, and of course the photos! The upsides to these are that I come to you, all the privacy for an intimate setting, a familiar surrounding. These can take place with your kids all dressed for bed in the Christmas jammies. Potential downsides include: No professional photographer (unless you hired one). You may not have an ideal background or lighting to get great photos. At $200 a visit some families may not be able to afford such a session despite wanting an exclusive private visit with Santa.

Studio Visits

Studio Visits are an excellent option. Especially if you are unable to pay for a private home visit. These visits are very similar to a Home Visit. With this option however you bring the family to visit me in my private home studio. Benefits of this include a private tailored visit with Santa. Being 20-30 minutes, there is still enough time to do everything that happens at a Home Visit. (Including the Christmas Jammies)! The background has been specifically designed to capture great photos of the entire family! And it is offered at a fraction ($50) of the cost of a Home Visit. Downsides include the need to travel to see Santa, and no professional photographer (unless you hired one).

Photographer Mini Sessions

Photographer Mini Sessions are an excellent choice! In these sessions I have partnered with a photographer to capture the magical moments with your family that you have come to expect each holiday season. These visit take place in my small studio. Benefits include the private family visit with Santa that is not rushed. Typically lasting 15-20 minutes it is plenty of time for requests, stories, and of course the photos. Professional quality photos that capture every moment of your child’ interaction with Santa. Here is how it works. I begin advertising for photographers in the summer. Several reach out and hire me directly. They in turn create their ads for our sessions together and are paid by you, the family. These are such delightful visits with Santa. No stress for families, photographer, or Santa. They truly are magical.

Give yourself a gift this year and consider booking one of these types of exclusive visits with me. Avoid the lines, the hassle, and the hustle and bustle of yet another trip to see Santa.

Father Christmas of the Three Mountains