A tradition that began while I was in grade school quickly became a local town favorite and is still in the works. Rounding the corner to our small, home town school (K-12th grade) you'll see a sign that reads: Santa Claus Photos December 23rd and 24th. Each Christmas, my parents open their front yard free of charge to people near and far, friends, family, and strangers to host a sweet and genuine Santa Claus photo shoot. There is a long, wooden white ramp surrounded by lights, fake snow, four foot tall lollipops and candy canes, and the sweetest little elves hanging from the trees. The ramp leads to a huge white chair where Santa Claus awaits with a jolly smile and a, "Ho, Ho, Ho!". It is the most charming winter wonderland you ever did see! Running and skipping down the street dragging their parents behind, kids of all ages line up to see Santa each year. The twinkle in their eyes when they see him is contagious! While waiting in line they get to pick out a few goodies my Mother brought in a basket. Candy, small puzzles, books, and coloring books are some of the surprises.
Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras to take the picture with Santa. As the children explain their Nice List to Santa in length, parents snap the best memories of their little ones. Christmas photos with Santa are a great reminder that children are born happy and innocent. Capturing these moments allows them to show us that the world is great, all people can be kind, and anything is possible if you just believe!
My parents made Christmas all about family. They taught me that traditions can be carried on, or started new as long as you do them together. This year my daughter, Linley, gets to start new! We cannot wait for her to meet Santa Claus for the first time and experience Christmas morning in all its magical glory. The memories she will make will last her a lifetime, whether they are simple or grand. My favorite memory surfaces like new every year: As I walk down the stairs, I'm greeted by my Mother with a stern, but cheerful shout, "Wait! Don't move! Hold on. The pajama picture!". With a hard roll of the eye and impatient happy feet, the kids squeeze together with sloppy hair, matching pajamas, and cheesy grins to mark another wonderful Christmas Season down in the books!