Santa’s Top Festive Tips for Parents (With a Dash of North Pole Wisdom)
Christmas is a magical time of year, full of sparkle, laughter, and family traditions. But let’s be honest — behind the fairy lights and mince pies, December can also be a bit… well, chaotic. Between school nativities, last-minute shopping, and trying to remember where you hid the wrapping paper, it’s easy to feel more frazzled than festive.
Never fear — Santa’s here with his top festive tips for parents, a jolly mix of genuine advice and cheeky chuckles. So, put the kettle on, take a break from the tinsel, and enjoy some words of wisdom straight from the North Pole.
1. Start Wrapping Before Christmas Eve (Trust Me)
Even the elves don’t leave it all to the last minute. Wrapping a mountain of gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve, whispering and wrestling with tape in the dark, is a recipe for disaster (and paper cuts).
Santa’s tip: Wrap as you go. Stash the finished ones in a clearly marked cupboard, not “somewhere safe” that you’ll forget by the 23rd.
Bonus tip: Always check the label before wrapping. There’s nothing worse than giving your mum the dinosaur bath bomb meant for your nephew.
2. Say Yes to Help (Even from the In-Laws)
Christmas isn’t a solo sport. If someone offers to bring pudding, help with dinner, or take the children out for an hour — say yes. You don’t have to do it all.
Santa’s tip: Delegating tasks is not failing at Christmas — it’s surviving it with your festive spirit intact.
If your father-in-law insists on dressing as Santa, maybe gently steer him towards dish duty instead. We know a few things about convincing Santas…
3. Lower the Bar (It’s Not a Competition)
It’s easy to feel the pressure when social media is full of colour-coordinated trees, handmade advent calendars, and perfectly plated roast dinners. But most children won’t remember what napkin rings you used — they’ll remember laughter, warmth, and time together.
Santa’s tip: Don’t worry about doing everything “Pinterest perfect”. Focus on what matters to your family, not what looks good in a photo.
4. Introduce the “Gift from Santa” Strategy
To avoid Santa getting all the credit for the big-ticket items, consider giving the showstopper gifts from you — and something small and magical from Father Christmas.
Santa’s tip: A stocking filled with chocolate coins, a little toy, and a handwritten note from Santa is more than enough to spark delight.
After all, Santa doesn’t want to take credit for that PlayStation you queued for at 6 a.m.
5. Let the Kids Be Bored (Yes, Really)
Overplanning Christmas Day can lead to stress and tears — mostly from adults. You don’t need to fill every hour with games, crafts, and structured fun.
Santa’s tip: Leave space for children to just play with their new toys, laze around in their pyjamas, and eat chocolate before breakfast.
Sometimes, the best festive memories are made during the quiet, unplanned moments.
6. Stock Up on Batteries
It’s a classic parenting mistake: the shiny new toy is unwrapped, only to find it needs four AA batteries that nobody owns. Cue tears, tantrums, and a scramble for the remote control stash.
Santa’s tip: Check the packaging before wrapping anything electronic and make sure you’ve got all the required batteries to hand — and a screwdriver if needed.
Pro tip: Pre-insert the batteries if possible. Fewer tears, more cheers.
7. Embrace the Christmas Chaos
You’ve done all the planning. You’ve prepped the food, charged the camera, and wrapped the gifts. And then — the dog eats a bauble, the toddler unwraps everyone’s presents, and someone spills cranberry sauce on the carpet.
Santa’s tip: Breathe. Laugh. Take a mental snapshot. These are the moments you’ll laugh about next year (probably).
Perfection is overrated. Real Christmases are messy, noisy, and full of life.
8. Make Time for Yourself
Yes, Christmas is about the children — but it’s also about you. Whether it’s a festive film, a long bath, or a cheeky Baileys by the fire, take time to rest and recharge.
Santa’s tip: Self-care is not selfish — even Santa naps after Christmas Eve.
If all else fails, hide in the pantry with a mince pie and don’t come out until someone else finds the sellotape.
9. Keep the Magic Alive
Children grow up fast. One day, they’re squealing with joy at a jingly bell, and the next they’re asking tricky questions about how reindeer fly. Soak up the magic while it lasts.
Santa’s tip: Do the traditions. Write the letters. Sprinkle the reindeer food. Leave the half-eaten carrot. You’ll never regret the effort.
Even when you’re tired, it’s worth it — trust me, I know a thing or two about long nights.
10. Remember What It’s All About
Presents are lovely. Decorations are beautiful. But the heart of Christmas is togetherness. It’s about pausing the everyday rush and making memories with the people you love.
Santa’s tip: Don’t worry if the gravy’s lumpy or the tree is a bit wonky. If there’s laughter, kindness, and a little sparkle — you’ve nailed it.
Add a Touch of Magic: Hire a Professional Santa
If you really want to make this Christmas one to remember, why not bring in the big man himself? A visit from a professional Santa adds something truly special to the season — for children and adults alike.
At Hire a Santa, we supply professional, DBS-checked Santas across the UK. Our performers are experienced, warm, and full of festive cheer — whether it’s for a home visit, school event, grotto, or Christmas party.
Unlike a borrowed costume and a reluctant uncle, a professional Santa knows how to keep the magic alive, answer all the tricky questions, and bring smiles to every face in the room.
After all, Christmas only comes once a year — so why not make it as magical as possible?
