How to avoid Santa phobia 1260x542
6 Dec 2011

How to avoid Santa phobia

2 mins to read
Christmas is generally a magical time of year for children but sometimes kids can find the season more overwhelming than fairytale. Should a family member fall into this category there are some simple things that can be done to reinstate merriment to the holiday period –and hopefully avoid tantrums and trauma altogether! Tanya Ryan-Segger explains.


Santa phobia, or a fear of Saint Nicholas, is particularly common in children four years and under. Pushing a young child to leave mum or dad’s side to have a photo with Santa could be another form of separation anxiety or perhaps it’s something more. Either way, if you think about it, feeling anxious about getting close to an elderly stranger in an odd red suit with long white hair and a matching beard that covers half his face is perfectly understandable - stranger danger and all!

After getting caught out by a short-lived fear of Santa with her eldest child, writer and mother of two young children, Carolyn Boyd, says parents should tread lightly when it comes to kids and Christmas.

“My advice – approach the Santa thing with caution if you have littlies, especially kids under four,” she says.

“Many might love it, but others may be frightened. Once they get to three or four they are much more able to understand what is going on but when they are very small it might be quite scary.”

Separation anxiety - when a child starts to become noticeably fearful of leaving a primary caregivers’ side, often occurs between eight and fourteen months of age. If your little one happens to sit within this age bracket, even if there are few or no signs he/she has any problem with leaving a parent, be wary of the effect Santa might have.

Pushing an unwilling child to pose for a photo on the lap of a person they don’t know could also cause longer-term distress so be mindful to introduce the concept and for those old enough, talk about the idea of Santa before heading to your local shopping centre.

Ideas to smooth the 1st meeting with Santa

  • Introduce the idea of Santa – perhaps through picture/story books
  • Take children somewhere they can see Santa first-hand, initially from a distance and then go closer
  • Accompany a friend with older children getting their Santa picture taken to ease younger kids into the idea
  • If it makes the child feel better (and you are happy to offer) you can sit on Santa’s knee with your child for a photo

But there is more than one way to capture precious festive family moments.

“If you've got a child who is scared of Santa, maybe opt for a different Christmas picture – dress them in a little Christmas t-shirt or hat and take some photos yourself to keep as momentos or pass onto family,” Carolyn says.

And if the thought of a man dressed in a red suit causes angst why not give Santa a wide berth – or at least until a child is comfortable with the idea? Do alternate things together like Christmas carols or visit local streets that may have impressive festive light displays? If religious, taking kids to nativity plays or a Christmas church service can also be a special family bonding experience.

Above all, don’t ever force a child to sit or talk to Santa if they really don’t want to. Santa phobias generally pass quickly and kids come around to the idea in their own time. So keep Christmas merry and just go with the flow this year, it will save big and small people lots of hassle and stress!

References available upon request

 



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