There really is nothing like reliving the magic of Christmas morning through your kids’ eyes. For parents and grandparents who may be playing Santa for the first time (or for the first time in a long time) here are some parent-tested tips for pulling off the ultimate Santa.

Help them with their Christmas list

Once your kids get to the 2 to 3-year-old range, it’s easier for them to verbalize what they want from Santa. If they see something they want at the store, encourage them to add it to their Christmas list. Once they’ve compiled a list of items, help them narrow it down to choosing their top toys. Make sure you sign it, seal it and pop it in the mailbox!

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to pull the Santa card as needed. If they refuse to eat their spinach or brush their teeth. ‘Santa doesn’t visit kids who don’t listen…’

Hide the gifts

First, if you’re shopping online for your Christmas gifts, make sure you leave plenty of time for shipping. Next, find a spot to hide the gifts. If your kids are smaller, this may be an easier task than if they’re, say 6 or 7 and possibly starting to wonder about whether this whole Santa bit is really legit. You may want to ask a friend if you can hide your toy stash at their place.

Download a ‘Where is Santa’ tracking app

Keeping the Santa jig up is all in the details. Early on Christmas Eve, download a Santa Tracking app. This way you and the kids can track Santa all day long.

Make sure the kids are asleep

Don’t make the rookie mistake of putting gifts out too early. The kids will be super amped up, so it may take them longer than usual to drift off to la la land. Once they fall asleep, sip your eggnog for another 30 minutes before you start assembling and putting toys under the tree.

Pro Tip: If you have a co-Santa, assign them to be a lookout and keep their eyes and ears peeled for any wandering children trying to sneak a peek at Santa. Got a baby monitor? Use it.

Eat the cookies. Drink the milk. Nibble the carrots.

And make sure you leave a few crumbs on the plate. For extra Santa points, leave a trail of light soot, dirt or grass.

Fill the stockings

For many Santas, stockings are an afterthought, but the best Santas know great things come in sock-like packages. Load up on stocking stuffers and make these as important as what’s under the tree.

Relax and pour yourself a cup of Santa’s special sauce

Your job as Santa Claus is complete. Take a seat by the fireplace with a beverage of your choice. Enjoy the smiles and laughter of your loved ones. Kick your feet up and relax before you have to do it all again next year!