I woke up with a start.

“What day is it? Where am I? What time is it? Am I late?”

Have you ever had one of those nightmares where you forgot something really, really important and in your dream world life is going from bad to worse? 

At this time of year when Santa is making frequent visits to my place, Santa Experience Oregon, the nightmare might go something like this:  

The Nightmare

I wake up late and am running around like a mad woman. I put the cookies in the oven, but CRAP, I forgot to get milk. So, while I am running to get milk, the children arrive. I am not there to greet them because I am racing to get milk. I walk in and try to act calm while nonchalantly carrying a jug of milk…. and then I realize that Santa is nowhere to be seen. I am trying to make up a good story for the children while calling Santa, only to find out that he thought he was supposed to be there tomorrow. TOTAL PANIC! 

This is about the time I wake up.

I realize that it is 6:00 am on Thursday, not Friday, and I really have done all the things to get ready for Santa’s visit tomorrow. WHEW! 

Unless I forgot something. Maybe I better go through the list again …

The Santa Experience

But seriously, I have a blast creating gorgeous pictures with Santa that become pieces of heirloom art for your home. I love interacting with the children and seeing the looks on their faces when they come face to face with the REAL SANTA! 

As you might have guessed, this is nothing like the typical sitting on Santa’s lap, mall Santa experience. In fact, there are no lines, no hurrying to get a smile and then move on to the next family. This is a private storybook experience. Santa takes the time to let the children warm up and get used to being in the room with him. 

The children have milk and cookies with Santa, find their names in the Nice Book, receive a magical gift, and even paint toys with magic paint!

Some people think that a screaming child on Santa’s lap is hilarious, but it is pretty traumatic for the child and Santa, too! We don’t do that at Santa Experience Oregon. Sometimes, the children are shy and cling to mom or dad, which is totally understandable. Santa is a big deal! Sometimes, children have special needs and may not sit still for more than a Nano-second. We get that, too. Sometimes, all they care about is the vintage toy log truck or the toy train, and they are oblivious to Santa. Great! We can deal with that. I have to think on my feet and figure out what will help that child have the best experience, and you, the family, still get the incredible Santa photos you were counting on.

The whole time, I am photographing, creating the pictures with Santa that will become priceless art for your home and the centerpiece of your Christmas decorations for years to come. The parents watch and get to relive their own childhood through their children.

Can we bring special items to include?

You can absolutely bring special items to the visit. We have had the family’s “elf on a shelf,” not wanting to be left out of the fun, appear in Santa’s bag. We have also had people bring special Advent calendars, vintage toys, and other things that are meaningful. Be sure and let us know ahead so we can be prepared.

Where is Santa Experience Oregon located?

Where is Santa Experience Oregon located, you might ask? We are a bit off the beaten track in a cute red barn on the outskirts of Monmouth and Independence, just 15 miles from Salem. We are a little over an hour from the Portland metro area and the same from Eugene/Springfield. The studio is in a semi-rural area located on 8 ½ acres of woods and open space. 

If you are lucky, you might see a deer or two wandering past the studio during your visit. Imagine your child’s excitement when they catch a glimpse of “Santa’s Reindeer”! 

Can I bring the whole family? 

Although the focus is on the young children of the family, children of all ages are welcome. We have had extended families come and experience the magic and be a part of the photographs. We have had the family pet, as well. We always do a consultation to plan the session well ahead of time to get to know you and make sure that all of your Christmas dreams come true.