Jacob was easy. He was a first, and for a long time, only child. First grandchild. So, a camera in his face was a natural occurance. He was also very social and gregarious, so Santa never bothered him. Except for the year we got there first thing, then he asked me to sit with him- hair barely done, bags under my eyes, and all. But, basically, easy.
Eli, not so much. He loves getting his photo taken, but not keen on starnge people. Especially big, strange people in red suits with beards, surrounded by maniacal underlings. We got a pic his first year, because he was 6 weeks old. Every other year he has steadfastly refused.
Last year, I took him past every Santa in Canberra, many, many times, until he finally worked up enough courage to wave.
This year, he's old enough to be bribable. So, after several weeks of negotiation, we pointed out that Santa wouldn't know what to bring, unless Eli wrote a letter and handed it to him.
The next thing to do was find a Santa that's not so over the top he's completely overwhelming.
So in peak hour traffic & pouring rain, we drove to the other side of Canberra, down to Woden where Sata sits, surrounded by a little picket fence and not too much other palaver. Eli did not speak to, look at, or acknowledge Santa in any way. Santa was fantastic, speaking very softly, assuring Eli that he wouldn't get off his chair or anything. And the helper didn't print the first photo where he's looking mildly panicked, but took another one where he looks moderately happy- last year a friend had to pay for her photo despite 1 of her boys screaming & in full tanty mode!
So, for this year at least, Mum's voice in my head will be happy.
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