Maya samaha
During the holidays, many children are afraid of Santa despite the fact that he brings them their gifts. Indeed, this situation called paternatalophobie is linked to emotional development. It is very normal especially in children younger than 4 years who are currently building their identity. These little and weep on seeing the father Claus dressed in red with a long beard with his exaggerated impressions, he plays for them as a threat.
In addition, some grandchildren are afraid of a change of routine, and Santa destabilizes. Others are shy and do not want to leave the arms of their parents to go into the arms of a stranger. They also have difficulty understanding the difference between the real and the imaginaire.1
So, do not force your child to accept that character or insist that approaches him, but you can accompany -if desire- to meet and tame her fear of leaving the observed far other children playing with Santa Claus. Thus, when ready, he can approach him. In addition, you can hold it in your arms, approaching that unknown person without imposing physical contact with him.
On the other hand, you can prepare this meeting to minimize the surprise imitating such deep voice of the red man and dressing a disguise similar to him. You can also tell their little stories or put movies that illustrate the goodness of this character.