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8 Fort Campbell Families-Winter BY DAWNYE APPEL Christmastime means that malls department stores and shopping centers will set up a scene of the North Pole and allow parents to get a photo of their child with Santa. This inevitably makes us parents and kids just a little bit nervous but dont fret. We have some tips on how to prepare your child for a visit with Mr. Claus Dont go near naptime Its best to go to see Santa when your little one isnt sleepy. Make sure to go well before naptime or right after. Mixing sleepy kids with long wait times is a terrible idea. Be an early bird Oftentimes the lines arent as long early in the day and early in the season. Additionally having an important tradition checked off your list will help you focus on other seasonal fun things. Avoid peak hours To cut down on the frightful wait do the obvious and avoid going to see Saint Nick at peak hours. If its an option head to the line when its least likely to be congested. Stay calm Infants are often curious so they tend not to be- come upset if Mom and Dad are nearby and smiling. Toddlers and older kids may need a pep talk before- hand. Reassure them that its safe and fun to tell the Big Guy whats on their wish lists this year. Take Santa a gift Another trick for older children is to have them bring some- thing to Santa such as their wish list a letter or a small trinket. This will make them feel more like they are going to see an old friend and not some stranger in a red suit. Find the right Santa If you are planning to take photos or pay for the ones taken on site be sure to find a Santa that is suitable for you. In all honesty some Santas look better than others and you dont want an important memory marred by a photo of your little one with someone who looks like Uncle Ralph in a bad suit. Choose a more traditional and classically dressed Mr. Claus if you can. Dont sweat the small stuff Most importantly dont sweat it if there are some sniffles or tears. Its still an accurate account of how your child felt about Santa that year. If you do your best to prepare them and they still arent quite smitten with the idea its OK. Remember all kids are different and there are times when a few tears in a picture still make for an adorable keepsake. Snap with ANTASHowtoavoidtearstempertantrumswhenvisitingMr.Claus