Santa has seen it all: the wigglers, the squirmers, the criers and the over-askers. Every kind of kid has taken a turn on Kris Kringle's lap at one time or another.

Here's some advice to parents from one expert about how to best prepare a Santa visit with your young one, from Tim Connaghan (also known as Santa Tim), who owns holiday event company The Kringle Group LLC:

PLAN AHEAD

Talk to your son or daughter before they visit with the man in the red suit. Generally speaking, they're not supposed to talk to strangers, so show them that Santa is a known character.

Books, animated films and television programs can help take the mystery away from the man.

WATCH OTHER KIDS

If you're waiting in line for your own visit, you can encourage your child to watch their peers interact with Santa. They'll get the idea that there's nothing to be scared of.

"See that Santa's a nice person and there's a nice situation there," Connaghan says.

THE BIG PICTURE

Encouraging your child to sit on somebody's lap and rattle off a wish list could send the wrong message to your child: that Christmas is all about them and what they want.

"I like it when parents can tell the children that this is the season of giving," Connaghan says. He suggests asking your child if he can think of anybody in class who might need a present, or dropping off canned goods at a place collecting for a homeless shelter.

COMFORT IN MIND

Avoid discomfort that might make children irritable, such as overdressing them in holiday-themed clothing when they are spending a lot of time waiting in line.

Connaghan suggests asking Santa's camera crew what time to come to avoid the really long lines. "It takes a lot of planning, but in planning you can make a lot of fun," he says.

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