Ask my family and they will tell you I am a Santa Picture Nazi. However, last year, with my children ages 5&7, I decided to make it our last year to visit Santa. We stood in the forever line and my kids complained the entire time about having to go sit on Santa's lap. As I bribed them up the line and onto Santa's lap they showed their pearly whites like precious little children. After they finished the photo, jolly Santa asked my lovely children what they wanted, Parker took off like a newly released prisoner, Jessalyn told him courtly we were just there for the picture. Santa looked a little baffled and a little relieved two more children were off his lap and $20 more bucks in his pocket for a 5x7 digital print.
There were years that sitting upon Santa's lap was not going to happen. Like in this picture, when Jessalyn was 18 mos old. I had made special arrangements to see THE Santa of Oklahoma City at Quail Springs Mall. They give you a pager to shop while you wait. After a few hours of shopping and waiting, Jessalyn refused to sit on Santa's lap. We had to catch a quick pic as she ran by in front of Santa.
I recently read an article in Parents Magazine, Nightmares before Christmas: Scared of Santa. The author gives some great points for avoiding the Santa Hysteria. Each of my friends take different takes on how to present Santa to their children. One told me a story of when her kids were younger. They were scared to death about Santa coming into their house in the middle of the night. A stranger? Breaking into our house? Needless to say, they gave early reveal to the true origins of St. Nick.
Santa Stories may invoke all kinds of emotions in your children. Be attentive to their emotions and feelings. I know when Jessalyn freaked out in her 18 month Santa picture, I honestly was a little bit frustrated. But now it is one of my favorite pictures and provides a great story to tell guests, friends, and family. Even the most riotous Christmas will make good memories. Enjoy your holidays and all that precedes them!
2 comments:
ummm... i do believe i was there when that picture was taken :)
can't believe how fast time has gone by!
our little babies are growing up *tear* *tear*
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