A photo with Santa Claus can be a cherished keepsake for little ones for many years. And a trip to visit the Big Guy can be a thrilling, fun experience — a highlights of the Christmas season. But for very young or shy children it can be a scary, traumatic nightmare. Even kiddos that you expect to have no problem meeting Santa suddenly panic and run the other way — one of my elves thinks it’s because they are on the naughty list and Santa knows it. Hx3OL

A little advanced planning and some simple preparation can take the stress out of a visit to Ole Saint Nick stress free for your child and you. And it could become a family tradition that everyone remembers fondly.

Here a dozen suggestions for when you take the children to meet and get photos with Santa:

1. Talk about the visit ahead of time. Explain what happens and be ready to answer any questions. A last-minute surprise might be fun, but little ones might need time to process and get comfortable with a face-to-face with Santa.

2. Try to avoid an assembly line, hectic setting (ie The Mall). Look for a smaller venue to meet with Santa. Many businesses, holiday fairs, and organizations host Santa events. (See Santa’s upcoming personal appearances.)

3. Make your visit at the slow times if at all possible. Weekdays will be better than weekends usually. And morning is usually better than evening. If possible arrive before they open so you can be first in line to avoid a wait.

4. Consider a private session with a professional photographer. You can make an appointment and avoid waiting in line. The cost may be higher but the experience and photo quality will probably be much better. Some (including us) will come to you for portraits right in your own home.

5. Plan a time for the visit when the children are rested, fed and happy. Make Santa the first stop on a day of shopping and activities.

6. Bring snacks (non messy), games, books, toys, etc. to entertain the children while you wait in line.

7. Give reluctant or young children a chance to see Santa and observe the process beforehand. If they see other children sitting on his lap and having fun, it can reassure them.

8. Make a trial run or see Santa somewhere else before the big photo session. If a super photo is a priority, make sure your child will be happy with Santa by making an early visit. Or plan two trips. If the first one goes great, cancel the second.

9. Consider what the children wear. Remember Santa will be in red and white. Think contrast and coordination. A little girl in a beautiful red dress will disappear in Santa’s red belly background. Avoid clashing colors too.

10. Parents need to be ready to be in a photo as well — clothes, hair, makeup. A child sitting in a parent’s lap with Santa beside is a better photo than a screaming child on Santa’s knee. Sometimes a couple of photos with a parent can lead to a solo trip to Santa’s lap.

11. Don’t force a fearful child into Santa’s arms. A good Santa will find other ways to get a suitable photo. Parents or siblings in the photo (maybe positioned to be cropped out) are one way. Allowing the child to sit in the chair alone for a photo or two might work. Santa can often sneak in behind when a child is busy with something else.

12. Getting angry, disappointed, or frustrated with a child’s behavior or fright won’t help the situation at all. A parent who is encouraging, happy, and supportive will reassure a child. If things don’t go well, retreat and try again later or another day.