It's Santa Time Again

I have a 15 month old and we have been to see Santa both years. The first year he was tiny so we didn't have anything to worry about. This year was a little different. I think he was a bit overwhelmed! I would say take him and if he dosn't like it then don't force the issue. He might think its wonderful!

My oldest son was afraid his first Christmas (11mths) but never again. He's now 4. I also have a 3yr old and an 18mth old, and neither of them ever cried or were afraid. My 18mth old saw Santa 2wks ago, and he was GREAT! I was worried about him this year 'cause he doesn't like going to or talking to people he doesn't know really well, but I had been telling him all about Santa and showing him pictures in books for a couple of days and all that day. He did awesome, I was very proud. He even got excited to see him.

I JUST TOOK MY 9 MONTH OLD SON LAST NIGHT AND WE HAVE A GREAT PHOTO OF HIM LOOKING AT SANTA ANS SANTA LOOKING AT HIM.

IT IS NEVER TO SOON TO TAKE A CHILD.
MAYBE NEXT YEAR MY SON MIGHT BE SCARED BUT AT LEAST WE HAVE A PHOTO TO GET HIM READY FOR THE EVENT.

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS, T.

I took my daughter for her 1st christmas. had her already dressed, we were going to a christmas parade so just did it. she was happy the whole time.

Standing in a long line, wearing itchy hot clothes, then getting thrown on some strangers lap while mommy backs 5 feet away - EGAD!
My mom's church brings in Santa and does pictures as a fundraiser. There is practically no line, definitely no stress. This year we are wearing some red and white striped pajamas (so no itchy hot clothes).
So - call around and see if there are any small organizations doing Santa pictures - so that you can avoid the mall thing. Also, if he's cries, dont' worry. The crying will stop as soon as they hand your son back to you - and even the crying pics are precious!

Just dress to have your picture taken too. That way you can jump in anytime the kids get upset.

I took my son last year for the first time. He was one (Nov. 28th). He did really well. He didn't cry or anything. But then again he doesn't cry very often. I guess it depends on the child and what you feel comfortable with.

I tried to at least get a photo of my child standing near Santa. It's tradition to me. If my child cried, it was only for a moment. If they wanted to only stand next to him, that was okay by me. I would always bring my Mom so that we could take our own photos in case the photographer wasn't quick enough.

It depends on the child. My daughter was 2 1/2 before she would even look at Santa in the mall. My son was a month old and never even wimpered at the man. He has been that way with all things. My daughter would start screaming when you pulled into the mall parking lot for about a month after Easter because she HATED the Easter Bunny and he had walked up to her one day when we were shopping for shoes. I would say take him. Make a really big deal about how special it is. Worst case you don't get a picture. Go in the middle of the day if you can the lines are not as long.
Good luck.
M.

Hi S.! Well my daughter was born in September of 2004... that December we didn't have her picture made with Santa... not sure why... we just didn't... well the next year she was absolutely scared to death of him... and we haven't tried this year so I don't know! :) I would suggest just trying it now if you want his picture made and see how it goes! :)

I agree, you can have the pictures took but be prepared somehow to jump in the photo. Even if you hold your baby and stand by santa. I think years to come you will enjoy the picture. Good luck

I think it depends on you child. You know your child better than anyone. How does he react with strangers and santa can be a bit scary for a little one. I took my daughter last year at one and she looked like a deer in headlights in the pictures. I don't know if I will take her this year. Plus when I mention santa she could care less and she has problems with being shy. So I think when you child knows about Santa and can ask to see him that is when I would try it. Some kids are not shy at a young age and will sit on anybody's lap. So just think about your kids personality. I agree it is just a picture so don't force him there will be more opportunities. Thanks, C.

My son is 5 now. He has never been afraid of Santa. I started taking him when he was a baby and it has always been fine. My dauighter just turned 3. She was very afraid when she was a baby and when she had just turned one year. She has been fine last year and this year.

Find a professional photogropher (not the one at the mall) that has Santa visit his studio and have your picture made there. It costs more but they can take more time. When my dgt was about 13 months old, we did that. The photogropher set up the picture so that the kids were sitting (my dgt) and standing (my sosn) next to a Christmas tree. There was an open "window" in the background. Just before the picture was taken, Santa appeared in the window and waved. My dgt. never saw him so we got a great picture. I had told my son what was going to happen so he would not spoil it. The picture was so good, we actually used it for our Christmas card. After we got the picture, Santa came out and my son sat in his lap. My dgt screamed and wouldn't sit in his lap but we already had a great picture!

Please check out my website, I make personalized mommy bracelets to order. www.freewebs.com/lolosgarden or send me a friend request on www.myspace.com/lolosgarden