We know so many of you are hoping for the happy, magical Santa photo this month; we're here today to commiserate with you in case you don't get it. : )
from Angie Lucas
Angie's Story:
This photo was taken in 1983 of me and my brothers Matt and Jon, and sister Michele. It's a bit of a fail. Look at my little sister's face. How tight is Santa squeezing her anyway?
from Amy Sorensen
Amy's Story:
This was taken the year Kaleb was about 18 months. It is the ONLY picture I got because he was so terrified I couldn't bear to not hold him. Like...full-body shakes he was so scared!
from Karen Grünberg
Karen's Story:
This was Nathaniel's first real Santa photo since he was too young last year. We thought he might be all excited to sit on Santa's lap with his big brother but as soon as he realized that his dad wasn't holding him anymore, he started sobbing and could not be consoled. Finally, we just gave up and let David have his own shot with Santa. Even though it's far from perfect, or exactly because of that, both my husband and I love this photo. It's a perfect representation of life - especially life with kids - and how it can't be scripted.
from Erin Sweeney
Erin's Story:
This was taken December 13, 2008. Mackenzie was 13 months old. While it was her second Christmas, it was her first time meeting Santa. It didn't go well. We were at our town's Breakfast with Santa. Michael had the camera and I put Mackenzie on Santa's lap. She was in such a rush and/or panic to escape him that she just threw herself off his lap. Thankfully Santa had quick reflexes and caught her. As you can see by my hand in the picture, I wouldn't have made it in time. :)
from Elizabeth Dillow
Elizabeth's Story:
We went to tour the Jelly Belly factory in California on Gracie's second birthday (2006) and lucky for us, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were there to help us celebrate after our tour! Gracie was absolutely fine as we stood in the very short line, then when it was our turn she turned on her Gracie-brakes in a most Gracie-like way. Santa and Mrs. Claus cajoled and begged her to hop up, bribed her with more jellybeans, promised her a special gift for her birthday...nothing could make this child budge. Then they directed me (pregnant with Bridget me, by the way) and Matt to hop up first. Gracie was still screaming, Matt and I were mortified to be sitting on Santa's lap as grown people... Maddie was oblivious to everyone's discomfort. In the end, Clauses and Gracie made up on our (hasty) way out the door : )
Jody W. and Moon took their Santa Fails one step further...
layout by Jody Wenke
card by Moon Ko
May everyone have better luck than we did (or at least a good sense of humor if it all goes south!)
