Santa Stranger Danger

This afternoon we participated in an event that is traditional to families with kids involving an old man dressed in a red velvet suit with a long white beard and a hat. The only body part visible to children is his eyes. I can see how visiting Santa Claus would frighten a two year old.

However, my daughter had only a small attack of the shybies and was able, very slowly, to spit out her hearts desires for Christmas, quietly muttering something about a vanity, fake cat, and dolls. Then Santa glanced at me assuring her that a couple of those things could be under our tree Christmas morning. Great .. now I gotta go buy more stuff! :)

Meanwhile, Mason was standing, staring at the man in complete fear at a safe distance of 10 or so feet back. When it came time for him to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas he kept his safe distance and repeated whatever Kara was whispering in his hear. Something about a Ladybug Pillow Pet. Say what???

At any rate, he did, for a brief moment step forward to retrieve a candy cane from Santa while bolting away as fast as he could. Then once again as he was safe distance from the Santa, proceeded to stare at him. Only to fret when I forced BEGGED him to take a picture with Santa. Mason did compromise by sitting on Aaron's knee while leaning dramatically away from Santa.

When I think about all the children that scream and throw fits when parents put them on Santa's knee for a holiday picture and then put into perspective the camouflaged issues of his clothing with only the peering eyes, yeah that scares me too! What is it about Santa Stranger Danger that frightens so many kids? And, yet, we as parents INSIST on violating those natural instincts of survival by forcing our children to interact with someone they do not know. LOL It's quite humorous I guess.

Anyway, here is a collage of the event. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!