If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I got started on all things Christmas a little early this year. I decorated a few weeks before Thanksgiving and we even took Jett to see Santa last weekend! Today I’m talking about why we chose to visit Santa at The Shops At Mission Viejo and giving you some tips to make your babies first Santa visit a success!
I absolutely love shopping at The Shops at Mission Viejo and couldn’t wait to take Jett to see their Santa this year! I love The Shops for their shopping but they also have 2 convenient Mother’s Rooms in the mall plus one at Nordstrom! They make taking a baby to the mall even easier, so I knew if I had to nurse Jett before or after Santa, it wouldn’t be a big deal. This year you can also reserve a spot in line to see Santa so that you don’t have to wait in line! You can register for a Fast Pass on The Shops at Mission Viejo’s website which will make things even easier. The staff and Santa were all so very nice, we had the best time, and Jett’s Santa photo is priceless!
The Shops at Mission Viejo Santa Photo Experience team were so patient while taking Jett’s photo which was a major reason why it’s SO adorable! There are also a few other things that helped make our trip a success that I wanted to share with you:
Don’t fully dress your baby until you’re at the mall. This was totally Skyler’s idea and I’m so glad we didn’t put his shirt on until we got there because he would’ve drooled or spit up all over it.
Make sure you pack a comb or brush! Skyler and I forgot to brush Jett’s hair before we left the house so we had to run to Nordstrom to get one before we saw Santa.
If you dress your baby in a top and not a onesie, make sure to pull down their shirt before the photos! Jett’s H&M shirt slid up a little, but I’m just happy it doesn’t look to bunched up in the photo!
If your baby isn’t used to loud noises, ask the Photo team to not use their props and instead try to get your child to smile on your own. The squeaky toys and bells that they use could be a little much for some babies (Jett was even a little startled at first), so just be prepared.
The Shops At Mission Viejo has plenty of places to get an adorable outfit for Santa photos as well! Janie and Jack just reopened and it’s amazing for special occasion outfits. I got Jett’s top at H&M, and his pants at Zara. I also got this dated frame ornament at Pottery Barn and plan on getting one every year for his Santa photo. I put his ultrasound photo in the one from last year!
I hope your visit to Santa goes well, too! Merry Christmas, y’all!
Xo,
Haley
