So, before it lost its relevance, I thought I’d get our free Santa photo up here. This is one of the many that I shot with my borrowed digital camera. I have three kids, and this is my middlest with the big jolly elf. We caught up with him at our local library on a Saturday afternoon. One of the benefits to the kids of not being in a crowded setting is that they each had as much time as they wanted sitting and chatting with Santa. They loved it, I saved a few pennies, and everyone had a good time!

Post from: Play Library

I did the mall Santa thing for a few years, but quit shortly after our second child was born. He is NOT good about sitting for photos. It seemed a waste of time and money to stand in line for almost an hour to drop 15-20 bucks for kids who were crabby, tired, and hot by the time our spot in line came up. It didn’t make for the adorable, memorable photos I’d conjured up in my head.

I’ve been excited to see more and more places offer free pictures with Santa. Our local Chick-fil-a is offering free photos with Santa on Tuesday evenings through Christmas. I think they usually offer Polaroid shots. Our local library also has one afternoon when they host Santa. The kids get Christmas cookies, a craft time, and their photo with the giant, jolly character. I like the fact that we can bring our borrowed digital camera and take our own photos as well.

It doesn’t change the fact that my second child squirms and goofs off while getting his photo taken. But it does mean that we don’t spend an arm, a leg, and an hour of our time to get that yearly photo.

Is it a tradition in your family to get a photo with Santa each year?

Post from: Play Library