How to Prepare Your Little One for Holiday and Santa Mini Sessions

The holidays are coming, which means one thing is about to happen in households everywhere... parents are going to attempt to get a great photo of their child looking adorable, cooperative, and vaguely festive all at the same time. And if you have ever tried to wrangle a toddler into a Christmas outfit while also keeping them clean, happy, and bribed enough to smile on command, you already know what kind of mission this is.

Been there. Survived it. Still doing it every holiday season and loving every chaotic second of it.

The good news? That is exactly what I am here for. Holiday and Santa mini sessions are one of my absolute favorite things to offer every year, and I want to make sure your family gets the most out of yours. So consider this your official prep guide, straight from someone who has seen it all and is completely unshakeable (kind of lol).

What Is a Holiday Mini Session, Anyway?

Great question. A holiday mini session is a shorter, focused session that takes place in the studio with a fully styled holiday backdrop and props already set up and ready to go. We are talking 15 minutes, so it is quick, efficient, and honestly perfect for little ones who have approximately zero patience for standing still. Relatable, honestly.

You just show up, your little one does their thing, and I handle everything else. No need to track down the perfect Christmas setup or stress about lighting. It is all taken care of so you can just focus on enjoying the moment.

These sessions are perfect for getting those classic holiday portraits, the ones you send in cards, frame for the grandparents, and look back on every single year as your kids grow up way too fast.

Tip #1: Timing Is Everything

Because we only have 15 minutes together, how your child walks in the door matters more than you might think. Book your session around your little one’s best time of day, whether that is a bright and cheerful morning or a post-nap afternoon window. A well-rested child is a completely different experience than an overtired one, and your photos will absolutely reflect it. Trust me on this one.

For babies and toddlers especially, try to time the session so it does not fall right before a nap or right after a long car ride. We do not have the luxury of waiting out a meltdown when we are working with a 15 minute window, so arriving happy and rested is genuinely the single most important thing you can do to set your session up for success. I cannot stress this enough, lol.

Tip #2: Feed Them First

A hungry toddler is a grumpy toddler, and a grumpy toddler has very little interest in smiling at a camera no matter how many times you say “look over here!” Make sure your little one has eaten a good meal or snack before the session, but maybe hold off on anything that could end up on their outfit right before you walk in the door or too much sugar... the goal is to keep them alert and still for the photos lol.

Tip #3: Talk It Up Beforehand

Because our time together is short, the more prepared your child is before they even arrive, the better. In the days leading up to the session, talk about it in a fun and exciting way. Tell them they are going to get their picture taken in a special holiday studio. If Santa is involved, hype it up like it is the greatest thing that has ever happened in the history of the world, because to a three year old, it basically is.

If your child is on the shy side, prepare them gently so it does not feel like a surprise when they walk in. The goal is for them to arrive already excited, or if they need a few minutes to warm up then I would recommend arriving a little bit early so they see the studio before your session starts. Think of the prep work at home as part of the session itself, because in a lot of ways it really is. And if they have a favorite stuffed animal or comfort item that helps them feel brave, bring it along. We can absolutely work with it, no need to worry.

Tip #4: Keep Outfits Simple and Comfortable

Here is where parents can sometimes overthink it, so let me make this a little bit easier for you. Matching outfits are adorable and photograph very well, but the most important thing about dressing up your little one for their holiday or santa mini session is that they're comfortable. If they are tugging at a scratchy collar or staging a full protest over their shoes the entire session, that is going to show in the photos and eat into our already limited time together.

Think soft fabrics, classic colors, and outfits your kids can actually move in. Reds, greens, creams, and plaids all photograph beautifully against a holiday backdrop. And when in doubt, keep it simple. Clean, coordinated, and comfortable will always win over elaborate and miserable, lol.

A lot of clients wait to dress their children once they arrive for the session. If you are planning on doing that, make sure to arrive plenty early so you have time to get them dressed and be completely ready to go at your session start time.

Tip #5: Skip the Warm Up, Come Ready to Go

In a longer session we have the luxury of letting kids ease in at their own pace. In a 15 minute mini, we hit the ground running. That does not mean it is stressful, it just means the more excited and ready your little one is when they walk through the door, the better. Get them pumped in the car on the way over. Play their favorite song. Hype up the studio like it is Disney world. Tell them something amazing is waiting for them inside. Whatever gets them through the door with a big smile and good energy is completely fair game, lol.

LASTLY — A Little Reminder About Being On Time ❤️

This isn't really a tip, but I do need to say it!

Please plan to arrive early for your session - not at your scheduled start time. Give yourself enough time to park, get everyone out of the car, make any last-minute adjustments, and get into the studio.

I know getting everyone ready for photos can feel like an Olympic event 😂 and kids are unpredictable! But holiday minis are scheduled very close together, so unfortunately there isn't much wiggle room for late arrivals.

I've had several clients arrive too late this past year and, as much as I hate doing it, I've had to turn some sessions away because I simply can't squeeze the time in. I'd much rather you arrive early and spend a few extra minutes singing songs and having fun in the car or letting the kids get some energy out on the sidewalk than be rushing in stressed and worried that you're going to miss your session.

I never want anyone to miss their holiday photos, so please give yourself plenty of extra time! ❤️