Here is my proven (and a little funny) transformation plan:
A costume is a sacred thing
Where to get a beard? Find an old white shawl or improvised cotton material. In extreme cases, you can use a scarf - the main thing is that your son does not recognize your voice. Make a hat out of a red T-shirt - a creative approach is welcome! A couple of years ago, I was so carried away by creating a costume that I turned more into Santa from a cartoon than into a traditional Santa Claus. My son still giggles when he remembers my crooked staff made from a kitchen spatula.
A voice like a wizard
This is where it gets tricky. My voice is low – not at all like Santa Claus’s. But it turns out you can speak in a whisper or in a drawling voice:
— Hooo-ooo, who was expecting presents here?
If you can’t do it at all, connect technology – turn on an audio message with a New Year’s voice from the Internet. It’s just important to press “play” correctly so that there are no blunders like: “Your call is important to us!”
Santa Claus’s secret entrance
My son is interested in how Santa Claus got into the house! Scatter some tinsel at the threshold, leave traces of “snow” boots (flour + children’s shoes). I had a case when the cat dragged “snow” all over the apartment, and it turned out to be a real New Year’s fairy tale… with elements of cleaning.
Letter from Santa Claus
Well, what kind of wizard would he be without a letter? Write your son something warm, but with a riddle:
"Dear Petya, I know how hard you tried all year! Do you remember how you helped Mom put together the closet? For that, I will give you something amazing!"
When Petya received the letter, he jumped up, ran to look for a gift and found... a jar of cookies hidden in the closet. There was so much joy that I almost melted like the Snow Maiden in a bathhouse.
A gift from the heart
The main thing is not the size of the gift, but your imagination. My son once asked for a puppy. I thought for a long time about how to get out of it, and brought a plush dog in a box. I said that Santa Claus would bring a real one when he learned to take care of the toy one himself. A year later, a puppy appeared in our house - miracles do come true!
Aftertaste of a Miracle
After all the performances, it is important not to “get caught”. If the child suddenly suspects that you are Santa Claus, just smile and say:
— Do you think Santa Claus can be a little bit of a mother?
The secret is that children do not look for perfection. They value care, laughter and a sense of celebration. And the role of Santa Claus is just a mask under which your huge loving heart hides. Let's be wizards for our children - it is so nice when their eyes shine with happiness. And who knows, maybe one day your son will want to become Santa Claus for someone, inspired by your example.
With love, Nadya - the same one who has been making beards from blankets for a couple of years now.