Attachment Parenting at its Finest
Always one to show empathy and to respect the developmental needs and dignity of my children, here I am, four Christmases ago, with my firstborn ever-so-gently encouraging her to cozy up with Santa. Never mind the absolute terror in her eyes. Never mind that on any other day I would never dream of plopping my precious progeny on the lap of any stranger. Never mind that this stranger happens to be wearing a big red suit, foreboding, black boots, and an impressive white mane and has excessive facial hair.
C’mon, sweet girl, smile! Everyone loves jolly, old St. Nick. Please be joyful as I capture this moment of abandonment when I leave you in the hands of a stranger!
I’m happy to report that for the past two years this same child has asked to go see Santa Claus, but the baby and 2-year-old remain wary, and that’s fine by me. What a ridiculous silly tradition it is anyway, sifting through the throngs of people at the mall only to pray your child won’t dissolve into tears or become completely tongue-tied at the sight of an old, hairy man in a red suit.
Ah, but I won’t judge you if you, too, find yourself campaigning for the perfect picture with Kris Kringle with the ruthlessness and savvy of a lobbyist on Capitol Hill. I did it once, too, and honestly, I’m awfully glad I did because you have to admit: These pictures are priceless.
That picture is HILARIOUS. Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE funny Santa Claus pictures! Years ago when my nephew was a baby he was one of those not shy babes who loved to be picked up and hugged by everyone. Except Santa. We have a picture of Santa looking jolly, his older sister looking adorable in all her 4 year old glory and my nephew with a look of unbelieveable terror!
The first one is HILarious. Were you indulging in a hot toddy before that one, Kate?
hehe – my sister and I share the same theory – "1, 2, 3" DONE. We don't ask them to try and make the kids smile…they just won't – so why drag it out for the poor babies (and I agree, they never seem scarred by it in later years). So I on 1 I walk up to Santa, on 2 on put baby or toddler in lap. On 3 pic is taken and baby is scooped up.
The results are priceless and funny. Have you seen MY profile pic when I was almost two on FB? I love my face in in…and I never stopped loving the jolly man
I should post it, and the pics of my girls from this year….Val and I look very much alike…
Good memories! Love this entry Kate – and LOVE your face in the top pic…HAHAHA! Do you remember what made you laugh?
AWESOME PICTURE. NEVER GET RID OF IT.
not starting this tradition. mine was so terrified at the thought of st. nick that he wouldn't get out of bed until i told him the presents were from me 
Very, very funny.
And can I also say how young you look?! At first, I thought you were a sister or cousin or something.