SITTING ON SANTA’S LAP: TRADITION OR TRAUMATIZING? BY ASHLEY WEHRLI I t’s finally that time of year again; the snow is falling, laughter can be heard, and the malls are all getting a bit busier. That’s because it is the holiday season, and many families
Families always have their own traditions that they do during the holiday season, but some are more universal than others, and one of those traditions that cannot be ignored is taking your child to see Santa at the local mall. Parents stand in line for hours, while children peek around corners to get a glimpse of the big guy himself, and finally, their turn is called. What follows is typically one of two things: the kids merrily go and jump on Santa’s lap, tell them what they want, and snap an adorable picture, or there are tears (and lots of them). It is not uncommon to see children freeze up, suddenly afraid of Santa; scream; and cry through the moment, and then have the pictures shared across social media platforms. Pictures of children screaming, crying, and terrified take over platforms are preparing for the big day, and it can be argued that no one is busier than parents. They are busy keeping track of the school holiday schedule, they are buying all the gifts on their child’s wishlist, and they are making sure the family gets together for dinner. All of this is happening while kids are lying in their bed at night, dreaming of the night Santa comes to fill the tree in the living room. For many, this is the most magical time of year.
20 DECEMBER 2023 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
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