The role of Santa in ECE – Some things you might want to consider before inviting the “big man in red” to visit your service
OPINION – November 17, 2025.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go.
Lights are being strung up in front gardens. Shop window displays are adorned in tinsel and red and green ribbon. Christmas mince pies and new potatoes will soon start flying off supermarket shelves.
In ECE services you’re probably starting to hear children talk about what gifts they’re hoping to get from Santa this year. They might suggest writing a letter or sending a picture and wish list to the big man in red.
The festive season is full of wonder and excitement for young children. Keen to bring the “magic” into your place you might be planning on including some Christmas-themed crafts, baking, and music and songs.
However, before you take things one step further and invite Santa to your service for a visit you might want to consider some of the implications of doing this.
As Aotearoa becomes an increasingly multicultural society, many children attending ECE come from non-Christian and non-Western backgrounds that may not celebrate Christmas.
So parents may be opposed to their children learning about Christmas and Santa in ECE. That’s why consulting with parents and caregivers when planning Christmas activities is probably a good idea.
Then there’s children’s safety to reflect on. The revelation by Stuff’s #MeTooNZ project that a grandfather who had been jailed for sex offences played Santa at an Auckland ECE centre’s Christmas parties in 2017 and 2018 shows that it’s important to remain vigilant about who is coming into contact with the tamariki in your care over the fun season.
Children reportedly sat in the man’s lap for photos after he was acceped by the centre to play Santa without undergoing a police check.
Be mindful, also, of children’s development and general wellbeing.
While the concept of Santa bringing presents in a sleigh pulled by reindeer may be thrilling to a 5-year-old, to a 2- or 3-year-old the idea of sitting in the lap of a stranger whose face is obscured by a big white bread and hat might be terrifying!
Whatever decisions you make around what Christmas traditions to follow at your ECE service, make sure you have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be light.
Find more, go to:
Write to Santa and receive a reply
Here’s everything you need to know to support children in ECE to get their letters and pictures ready and share with Santa
Christmas Activities, Games, and Presents Children Can Make
Top tips and resources for ECE services
Recognising and responding to diverse families, and diversity in cultural and religious beliefs
