How to Build Santa Excitement (Without the Stress!)

For many families, the magic of Christmas doesn’t just happen on 25th December - it’s built slowly through twinkling lights, special rituals and the sparkle of anticipation in little eyes.

If you’re a busy mum with young kids, you probably love the idea of creating those magical moments - but don’t always have the time (or energy!) to make it Pinterest-perfect. Good news: it doesn’t have to be. With a few thoughtful traditions, some clever shortcuts and a little planning, you can build excitement that your kids will remember forever.

Here’s your simple guide to bringing Santa’s arrival to life without adding stress to your plate.

1. Countdown the Days with a Special Advent Calendar

The countdown is half the fun! Advent calendars are a great way to build daily excitement. You can go classic with chocolates, or get creative with small notes, challenges, or treats. A reusable canvas calendar lets you personalise each day and becomes part of your annual tradition.

✨ Hot tip: Fill a fabric advent calendar with festive jokes, tiny crafts or family activities like “bake cookies” or “watch a Christmas movie.”

2. Write a Letter To Santa and One From Him Too

Get the kids involved by writing a letter to Santa. It’s a fun activity and gives you insight into their Christmas wishes.

Then, a few days later (or on Christmas Eve), surprise them with a reply from Santa himself! Whether it’s handwritten or a keepsake Santa Claus card, the magic of hearing back from the North Pole is unforgettable.

💌 Add details only Santa would know - like a recent act of kindness or a favourite snack to make it feel truly personal.

3. Make a Santa Prep Station for Christmas Eve

Set the scene on Christmas Eve with a plate of cookies, a glass of milk and a few carrots for the reindeer. A special board for Santa’s treats makes this moment feel official. It’s one of those small things that feels huge to little hearts.

4. Gift a Christmas Eve Box

A Christmas Eve box is like a pre-party for the big day. Fill it with festive PJs, a holiday book, some popcorn for a family movie night, or even “reindeer food” to sprinkle outside.

🎁 A personalised wooden box adds an extra touch and becomes a lovely keepsake over the years.

5. Solve the No-Chimney Problem with Santa’s Magic Key

If your home doesn’t have a chimney (like most Aussie homes!), the question of how Santa gets in can be a serious one for curious kids.

Enter: Santa’s Magic Key. Leave it hanging on the front door with a note explaining that it only works on Christmas Eve and only for Santa.

🗝️ Look for a key that adds storybook charm and is easy to reuse each year.

6. Let the Kids Decorate Their Own Space

Give them ownership by letting them hang their own stocking, decorate a mini tree or display a personalised Santa sack ready to be filled. Not only does this build anticipation, but it gives them a sense of pride and involvement.

🎄 Pro tip: Add one small gift to the sack or stocking in the days leading up to Christmas to heighten excitement!

7. Create Santa’s Footprints on Christmas Morning

Nothing makes the magic feel real like evidence that Santa was actually there. Use a footprint stencil and flour, baby powder or glitter to create Santa’s snowy footprints across the living room floor or by the tree.

👣 Set it up after bedtime on Christmas Eve and watch the wonder unfold in the morning!

8. Embrace the Small, Magical Moments

Sometimes it’s not the big gestures, but the quiet, whimsical ones that make Christmas feel magical:

• Read a Christmas story together every night.
• Start a “Kindness Calendar” instead of a chocolate one - encourage small, thoughtful deeds.
• Leave little notes from Santa or his elves around the house.
• Play Christmas music during breakfast and let the kids dance in their PJs.

These moments don’t take much time but they build lasting memories.

Final Thoughts: Magic Made Simple

You don’t need to do it all. Focus on a few special traditions that fit your family and feel fun for you, too. The joy is in the connection, the giggles, the sparkle in your child’s eyes - not in perfection.

Whether it’s Santa’s footprints, a personalised letter, or simply cuddling up with a festive book, you’re already making Christmas magical just by showing up with love and intention.

So here’s to slow mornings, excited squeals and a summer holiday filled with heart. ✨

PF Team x