The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity, and meaningful traditions.
For me, one of the most treasured traditions each year is partnering with Great Lakes Santas, an organization of professionally trained Santas who volunteer their time to bring Christmas magic to children throughout Ohio and Michigan.
This charity embodies the true spirit of giving, and I’m proud to support their mission through our annual Santa Experience Christmas Mini Sessions in my Sylvania, Ohio portrait studio.
Who Are the Great Lakes Santas?
Great Lakes Santas is a nonprofit group made up of real-bearded, professionally trained Santas who donate their time to brighten the holidays for families in need across Ohio and Michigan. Every Santa member meets strict professional standards and completes advanced training in child interaction, storytelling, safety, and ethical conduct.
But what truly sets them apart is their heart.
These Santas collect money through their membership dues and public and private donations. Our Santa Rance works strictly for donations to their charity, as do many of the other Santas in this group. 100% of their collected funds support their mission of helping children and families at Christmas.
It’s grassroots generosity at its finest.
Our Partnership: Born from a Year That Changed Everything
In 2020, when COVID shut down public holiday events and so many children were suddenly unable to see Santa, Santa Rance Miller reached out to me with a simple question:
“How can we bring Santa to the children safely, so the magic isn’t lost this year?”
Together, we created something entirely new for the Greater Toledo community:
The Santa Experience Christmas Mini Sessions
A private, child-led, interactive Santa mini photo shoot that is designed to feel magical, unrushed, and deeply personal, while producing stunning, heirloom-quality photos.
For the sixth straight year, this time-honored tradition continues, and each year grows more special than the last.
What Makes Our Santa Experience So Magical?
Our Santa Experience isn’t a typical “sit, smile, and leave” photo session.
It’s 15 full minutes of uninterrupted time with Santa, but scheduled every 30 minutes so families have time to settle in and children can approach Santa at their own comfort level.
And we mean it when we say these sessions are completely child led.
We never force children to do anything they’re not ready for. Some run right into Santa’s arms. Some just want to decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus. Some want to check out all the toys in the studio and play. And yes… some cry. (And parents often LOVE those photos!)
Here’s what children can enjoy during their session:
- Tell Santa what they want for Christmas
- Bring and deliver wish lists or letters
- Find their name on Santa’s Nice List
- Listen to Santa read a Christmas story
- Sit in Santa’s sleigh
- Decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus (added last year—instant hit!)
- Just relax, talk, and enjoy the magic of Christmas
This isn’t just a photo session.
It’s an experience that families talk about all year long.
Why I Love Working With Santa Rance
Santa Rance is more than a man in a red suit. He’s the real deal.
He has years of experience working with children including teaching other Santas how to interact with children who have special needs at a professional Santa school.
He is endlessly patient, gentle, funny, and intuitive.
Every child feels seen. Every child feels safe. Every child leaves believing in the magic of Christmas.
Santa Rance never charges for sessions or appearances.
Instead, a portion of the proceeds from my Santa Experience sessions goes directly to Great Lakes Santas to help families in need have a Christmas.
If you’d like him for a corporate party, community event, or private home visit, I’m happy to connect you. He only asks for a donation to the charity.
You’re Invited: 2025 Santa Experience Mini Sessions
We kicked off the holiday season on Sunday, November 23, and the joy was contagious!
There are only two dates left with limited availability. Although it’s too late to schedule your Santa Experience Christmas Mini Session for today’s sessions, we still have a couple spots left for our last one on:
Thursday, December 11 — 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Cost:
$100 – includes 5 full-resolution digital images
Additional images are $10 each
All images from the session can be purchased for just $150 more
To schedule your session, please call my studio at:
(419) 885-7153
These sessions are for all ages — littles, teens, adults, grandparents — but please limit to immediate family because sessions are just 15 minutes long.
Want to Help Great Lakes Santas Help Local Families?
The best part of the Santa Experience is knowing it directly supports children in need in our region. To learn more about our Santa Experience Christmas Mini Sessions at my Sylvania Portrait Studio, check out my website: Christmas Mini Sessions
Click to donate directly to the Great Lakes Santas website.
Why This Blog Series Matters
This post is part of my Moments that Matter series, where I highlight organizations that make Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan stronger, kinder, and more connected.
Capturing their stories is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
If your nonprofit, school, or organization is hosting a holiday event or fundraiser and wants to create unforgettable memories, I’d love to capture the magic for you.
Contact me to schedule a time to talk about your event or portrait needs.
Together, we’ll create moments that last a lifetime.