In organizing the unofficial photo shelf today I came across the three photos with Santa to which I've dragged my kids- 2006 Linda 15 mo, 2008 Linda 3 & Elizabeth 14 mo, 2009 Linda 4 & Elizabeth 2. [Note: 2007 never happened because by the time we got through the anamatronic Dicken's Villiage at Macy's to Santa, Elizabeth was sound asleep and Linda was so freaked out she wouldn't even let me touch her, let alone sit on Santa's lap.] As you can see, we've progressed from me shoving Linda next to Santa for the shot to Auntie Kristen having to get in the shot (and some pretty upset faces despite) to fained smiles and a temporary grip on my hand. And why do I keep doing this even though it seems to bring discomfort and anxiety to my kids? Because it's a holiday tradition that people all over the world participate in. Shouldn't kids be excited to see Santa and make their wishes known? Shouldn't kids be very weary to sit on a stranger's lap and whisper their greatest hopes in his ear? I think the fact that the girls are cautious makes me happier than how the ultimate kid friendly holiday icon creeps them out amuses me. And this year they both get excited at the prospect/thought of seeing and talking to Santa, but the willing suspension of disbelief thins quickly when presented with a real guy. I'd kind of expect them to be as weary of the Easter bunny, grown-up size Dora, or even Jesus himself if asked to sit on their laps. After our latest Santa photo shoot, while eating mall nut & fruit mix nearby, Linda remembered something she had to tell Santa. I suggested we write him a letter/email, thinking that this might be more pleasant for her. Linda responded, "I think I better just tell him now while we're both here." and called him over to the fence to let him know about Cinderella's castle. At least our Santa photo trip has had positive effects on her efficiency.
