Santa's Visit Puzzle: Tips for First-Time Builders

Quick answer

Set up a clean workspace, sort pieces by color and edge, build the border first, then fill in the center using the Santa's Visit illustration as a guide.

Step-by-step puzzle building guide

1. Prepare your workspace: Spread a flat, clean surface like a table or a puzzle mat. Make sure the lighting is good so your child can see the colors clearly. A common mistake is using a bumpy or cluttered surface that makes pieces hard to fit.
2. Sort the pieces: Separate edge pieces (those with one straight side) from center pieces. Then group center pieces by dominant color: red for Santa, green for the tree, white for snow. Sorting by color first, not by shape, is faster for young children.
3. Build the border: Assemble all edge pieces to form the puzzle's frame. Use the box image to check which edge pieces connect. If the border doesn't close, check that you haven't missed a piece or confused a corner piece.
4. Fill in the center sections: Start with the most recognizable area, such as Santa's face or the tree. Attach matching pieces within the border. Work outward from that section. If a piece doesn't fit, set it aside and try another. Forcing pieces can bend the blue board.
5. Finish with the background: Use the remaining pieces to complete the snowy sky or other background areas. These often have similar colors, so check the picture closely. When stuck, rotate the piece or compare it to the box image. Taking a short break can help.

About this puzzle

• 100-Piece Puzzle - Santa's Visit: Crocodile Creek puzzle pieces are made of strong, high-quality blue board that will not tear or break. Durable pieces survive repeated handling by small hands, so the puzzle stays intact through many holiday seasons.