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.