Santa Claus is Comin' to . . . My House?



Santa looks like he needs a drink.

 Ahhhh yes. Those of us who partake in Santa Claus Photo Hijinks can certainly relate to this photo on the left, and I can't begin to tell you how many years I spent perched on the old guy's knee myself, with my young daughter, Big Sister, grinning impishly on his lap, eyes watery from recently shed tears.

That made up my mind that I wouldn't force her little brother, Fuzzy, to be in Santa pictures until he was good and ready. 

That was a good decision - because Fuzzy was always one of those reserved kind of children - and communications with Santa were best done via the U.S. Mail, and watching the big guy from a safe distance of about the distance of a football field.  That was fine with me - it just meant we had less of this sort of thing to deal with (see photo at right).

manofest.com
Don't cry, Santa, it's almost over



As Fuzzy grew older, the photo opportunities with Santa grew fewer and farther between.  There was always talk of taking him to visit the jolly old elf, but somehow it never happened.

My heart strings tugged as Fuzzy wistfully said one day, "I sure wish I could see Santa this year."  After all, the poor kid is turning another year older soon, which means another year closer to not believing in Santa.  What to do, what to do.



Hey - maybe the Big Guy
is onto something, here!
awkwardfamilyphotos.com



We were out of town, living in a hotel at the time, it was about three days before Christmas and I imagined the lines to see Santa at the mall would be huge as tykes of all ages and sizes waited impatiently in line for their turn to see the master toy deliverer himself, and with our schedule - there was no way a visit to Santa would occur, up close and personal.

Imagine my surprise when, our first evening home, the doorbell rang. Who should be standing there but the Jolly Old Elf Himself - Kris Kringle - SANTA CLAUS????

I hadn't said a thing to anyone about Fuzzy's wish, yet - here was Santa, standing on my front porch, laden with bags and boxes of gifts.

Well, let me tell you - there isn't anything else that will restore your belief in the red-suited guy more than seeing him standing, unannounced, on your front porch, just a day or two before Christmas.



Somehow, Santa looks like
the happiest person here!
awkward family photos.com



Fuzzy was delighted.  In his reserved and mature way, he treated Santa like any other adult visitor in the house. And, he couldn't take his eye off Mr. Kringle. 

Finally - he'd gotten to visit with Santa.

What is one of your favorite holiday memories?

What holiday photos are in your possession that you wish had never been taken?

For more photo fun, check out Awkward Family Photos .