So you're looking for a Santa with a slightly darker hue? Send me a message. Let's see what I can do.

Make sure your photo and video cameras are ready. If they are digital, make sure you have enough storage space to capture these memories. Make sure your batteries are charged or make sure you have spare batteries available if needed.

Outside of the North Pole, Santa's suit can be hot. The bag of toys can also be heavy. If Santa has to park down the street or around the corner and walk all the way to your home or office, Santa may be winded when he arrives. Santa may also be delayed because everyone sees and wants to speak to Santa. Wouldn't you want to talk to Santa if you saw him walking down your street?

If Santa is coming to your home for the event, have a space marked or reserved. This could be with a fun sign or by having a designated person parked in that spot. When Santa arrives, he can call so the person is able to move their vehicle to free the parking spot. If your event is at a Hotel, Company, or Office building, you would need to make arrangements for Santa to park at a Valet or a loading zone. This makes it easy for him to be fresh and ready to bring joy to your guests. 

Timing is important. Santa's contracted time begins the moment he arrives. Minutes spent getting everyone together are part of this contracted time. If everyone is scattered around the house or office, you lose valuable time. Santa will coordinate with you by calling when he is five to ten minutes away from arriving. That is your cue to get the person outside to greet Santa. During this time, you could gather the guests and maybe sing some Christmas Carols until Santa arrives.

Santa does not bring candy canes or gifts. If Santa is to deliver pre arranged gifts, the person greeting Santa outside can help fill his bag. Make sure all gifts are marked with big bold letters, with black marker and written directly on the gifts (tags can easily fall off). All gifts should be able to fit into Santa's bag which is about the size of a 35 gallon trash bag. If you happen to have more gifts, Santa will have your greeter help carry in extra gifts. Then at just the right moment, Santa can make his grand entrance while everyone is singing carols. Remember if this is an event with a large number of children, you should have someone assigned to assist Santa to coordinate the children as they line up to visit Santa. Assistance may also be needed to identify the children as the gifts are being passed out.

Have a sturdy chair for Santa to sit in. Folding chairs, plastic chairs, and low chairs (the ones you sink into) are not good. Santa needs a chair that is stable and sturdy. A good straight-back dining chair with no arms works well. Santa should be able to sit comfortably with the chair able to support him plus a child on each knee. Place this chair near your Christmas tree or in a holiday setting (maybe in front of a decorative wall or any festive type of setting or backdrop). Your photos will have more of an impact. Place a wreath, a few Christmas cards or wrapped gifts to make a wonderful difference. You should leave a foot or two between the chair and the tree or wall. This will allow room for others to gather around and behind Santa's chair for group photos or when your child may be timid. Santa can stand behind while child sits alone or with parent. Fireplaces make great settings, but remember putting Santa too close to a real fire can be uncomfortable with his heavy red suit. (IF POSSIBLE,ALWAYS PROVIDE A FAN FOR SANTA.) Santa can stand for "group" or "buddy" photo. Sometimes, the sillier photos can have the biggest impact.

If there is a balance or payment due to Santa, this payment is due upon Santa's arrival. Several payment options are available including PayPal, Cash App, and Venmo.