Is it wrong that I don't want to take the twins to see Santa yet? I see pictures of babies much younger than my boys sitting on Santa's lap and with the exception of this great photo from Sarah, there is usually some unhappiness going on. I'm almost positive Santa would scare the crap out of the Dynamo and Sweet Potato would likely be perplexed and pull his beard. (And it's not like I get many pictures of Sweet Potato smiling anyway since his interest immediately goes to the camera in his face.)
Babies screaming on Santa's lap for some reason are not that appealing to me. I know people find it funny. Ellen DeGeneres highlights Bad Santa Photos on her show so they must be funny, right? Because I think she's hilarious.
Perhaps I am an unconventional mother who's desire not to scare her babies is stronger than her desire to get a picture of them visiting Santa Claus. Am I going to regret it if I don't take them? Will they wonder when they're older why they didn't see Santa when they were 1? I mean I'm considering waiting until they are 4 years old! Or maybe 3.
What age did you first take your little ones to sit on Santa's lap and how did it go?
I'm with you. No way am I taking Henry to see Santa until he WANTS to go. Santa is scary, and with all the 'stranger-danger' fears we have, I'm rather surprised that, as a culture, we think it's a good thing to scare our babies by putting them on the lap of an oddly dressed stranger, and then ignoring them when they try to tell us that they're frightened! Yay for not frightening our babies!
ReplyDeleteThey are too young to care, there's not harm in not doing it for another few years. It's almost like throwing a lavish birthday party for them -- it's not really for the babies, but for the grownups. If you don't feel like doing it now, there is absolutely no reason why you would have to do it now.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we did Santa till my oldest was 3 or 4. My middle is 4 and we haven't done the sit-in-Santa's-lap yet, probably won't because I don't really care enough about this sort of thing and it costs good money at our mall. We do the cookies and milk for Santa under the tree though.
We took Bubs last year when she was was about five months old... she fell asleep in the stroller waiting in line (first and last time she ever fell asleep in the stroller!) and slept all the way through seeing Santa (who pretended to be asleep for the picture as well -- CUTE!) and didn't wake up 'til we got home. Crazy easy, I was so nervous, though!
ReplyDeleteLast year at 9/10 months O did ok with the whole Santa thing. He sat on his lap and just kind of checked him out. This year was a very different story (as you may have seen on facebook!). The poor little guy was terrified and I felt completely horrible for putting him through it for a stupid photo. If I had known ahead of time that he was going to freak out I wouldn't have done it. Now we mostly avoid Santa but if we're at the mall and the line isn't too long I do go over just to say hello to him while holding O. I'm hoping that if he sees that I'm not afraid of Santa that he'll stop getting scared everytime we see him on tv, a card, an ad or on a box of candy.
ReplyDeleteTotally go with your gut on this one. I don't really get it myself. Sure I love a cute Santa photo as much as anyone, but yeah, the ones where the kid is visibly upset/unhappy? Make me cringe and feel bad for the kid.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is 26 months and we've never done a Santa photo - I had the perfect opportunity a few weeks ago when we were shopping at Walmart and it was the first day that Santa was there (and they were even doing free photos), and he had just arrived, so there was no line. I pointed him out to her, but I didn't even consider getting the picture, because I was pretty sure she wouldn't enjoy it, and I know she wouldn't miss it. If another great opportunity comes up in the next few weeks I might consider it if she seems interested, but otherwise, no. Maybe next year I'll make more of an effort, but *only* if she wants to!
I was thinking the same thing. L doesn't care and I'm not taking her. When she wants to go, we'll go. This is also an area I buck tradition. I don't find those pics funny either.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I took my kiddos, but it might have been different had they been a little older and more stranger aware. If they wonder years from now why they don't have Santa pictures, just tell them you talked to Santa for them since they couldnt yet.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem a bit cruel to make tiny ones sit with a strange man while mommy steps away to take a picture. Two years from now, they'll get it and be overjoyed at the opportunity. For now, just let them lead you--they'll find lots of joy this season!
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on your kid(s). I've taken my little guy every year, the first being when he was 4 months old, so 16 months last year and 2y4 this year. He has never cried or fussed. He sits there in awe and I've got great pictures. Same with the Easter Bunny. Had he cried and screamed I don't know what I would have done, but I pretty much knew he would be fine because I know his personality. If you want the photo-op and you think they'll 'enjoy' it then do it otherwise have a Merry Merry Christmas with 2 happy little boys!!
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