Santaphobia: How to Stop Your Child Being Scared of Santa

For most kids, December is a month of excitement, filled with friendly reindeer, happy elves, and lots of presents. But for a select few, this most joyful time of the year comes with a catch: Santaphobia – the fear of Santa Claus.

Santaphobia is more common than you might think, especially in toddlers who are still learning to trust the world around them. However, with gentle steps, patience, and proper preparation, you can help them feel safer, calmer, and more in control during the festive season.

Start by making Santa a familiar, friendly figure long before any festive outings. Read Santa-themed bedtime stories, watch gentle cartoons, or bake Santa cookies to ease your child into the idea. Keep things fun and low-pressure so they can ask questions or show curiosity at their own pace.

Children feel safer when they know what’s coming. Explain what Santa looks like, how a visit usually goes, and that he’s simply a kind person in a costume. Setting expectations helps avoid surprises and makes the experience more predictable and less overwhelming.

Let your child handle Santa toys, soft plush Santas, or simple dress-up accessories. You could even try wearing a Santa hat or beard yourself to show them it’s just a costume. When Santa is part of everyday play, he becomes less intimidating.

Let your child decide whether they want to meet Santa at all. If they do want to meet him, let them control how close they want to get. Remind them they can change their mind at any time. Feeling in control reduces anxiety and builds confidence.

If possible, visit the location ahead of time to see Santa from afar before the real meet-and-greet. This can remove a lot of the unpredictability. Even walking past the grotto a few times gives your child a chance to process things gradually.

Start by observing Santa from a distance, allowing your child to warm up without feeling pressured. If they want to get closer, let it happen naturally in their own time. Think of it as a gentle “warm-up,” not a performance.

Your presence communicates safety. Hold your child, sit with them on your lap near Santa, or stand between them and the big red suit. Seeing you relaxed and smiling helps them understand the situation isn’t dangerous.

Never dismiss their fear or tell them they’re being silly. Listen, validate, and reassure them that feeling scared is normal. Children relax much faster when they feel heard and protected, not rushed or embarrassed.

Whether they took one step closer or simply talked about their feelings, recognise their effort. Small wins deserve big praise. Confidence grows in tiny, consistent steps.

If your child is scared, avoid revealing Santa’s secret. You can protect both the magic and your child’s feelings by keeping explanations simple: Santa is friendly, fun, and safe – and they can enjoy Christmas in their own way.

It’s not uncommon for children to suffer from Santaphobia. After all, Santa Claus is a strange, unknown man dressed in red who breaks into their house via the chimney. Add in the fact he’s known for watching their behaviour all year round, and it’s quite understandable why some kids are scared of old St Nicholas.

Here are some of the reasons why some kids may fear Santa Claus:

• He’s not always the same size or voice: Children often meet several different Santas in December, and the inconsistency can be confusing and unsettling.
• Costume and appearance: The bright red suit, big beard, and exaggerated features can feel odd or “not quite human.” For some children, this triggers a mild uncanny-valley response, creating instant unease.
• Confusion between fantasy and reality: Kids may struggle to match the magical Santa from stories with the real person in front of them. This mismatch can create fear, uncertainty, or discomfort.
• Stranger danger and emotional intelligence: Parents spend all year teaching children not to talk to strangers, then suddenly encourage them to sit with one in December. This can feel confusing and can actually signal that children are developing strong emotional awareness. In addition to this, Santa’s size, beard, and booming voice can feel intimidating, especially for toddlers. For more information, look at this post on the importance of consistency in parenting.
• Behavioural pressure: The idea that Santa is monitoring who’s “naughty or nice” can make some children feel judged. Sensitive children may see him as an authority figure rather than a friendly character.
• Sensory overload: Santa environments are often loud, bright, and busy. For shy, anxious, or neurodivergent children, the crowds and noise can be overwhelming.
• Previous negative experiences: A stressful grotto visit, long queues, rushing, or being forced into a photo can leave a lasting impression, making the next encounter even scarier.
• All eyes on them: Santa meet-and-greets are often public, with adults watching, cameras flashing, and expectations to smile. For anxious or shy children, this spotlight creates added stress.

As with most childhood fears, Santaphobia is usually a passing phase, and they will grow out of it. With patience, empathy, and gentle preparation, your child can learn to approach the festive season with more comfort and confidence. By giving them space to process their feelings and supporting them at their own pace, you’re already helping them build emotional resilience that lasts far beyond Christmas. With the right approach, Santa can once again become a friendly part of the magic.