WHEN SANTA SHOWED UP for my extended family Christmas celebration this past weekend in rural Lamberton, my 18-month-old great nephew wanted nothing to do with the Jolly Old Man.
Terrified at the sight of Santa, Hank screamed and cried and clung to his mom while the rest of us were highly entertained by his reaction.
Despite his fear, Hank still wanted candy from Santa’s bag.
So Santa, being Santa, handed the bag over to Hank’s grandpa and turned his back while Hank and his mama peered inside for a treat.
I captured the moment. And, if I didn’t know Santa’s reputation for being a happy, cheerful man, I’d say he appears a bit miffed, standing with his arms clamped across his chest and no apparent twinkle in his eyes.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
So, Santa pouts sometimes! Well, don’t blame him in this case. 🙂
Pouting would be a good verb to attribute to Santa in this situation.
Years ago, when I worked (in Columbia Heights/N.E. MPLS) at MN Fabrics, a gal and her boyfriend earned extra $$$ by dressing up as Santa and his elf. We hired them and, when they came to the house, our eldest son would have nothing to do with them! I’m sure his crying could be heard at the home next door!!!! Ah well, it was fun none-the-less!!!! It’s what memories are made of!!!! Hugs…..
Oh, yes, memories… For years the NSP meter reader came to our house dressed as Santa. Caleb hit the floor, face first, one year when Santa walked through the kitchen door. We still laugh about that.
Hehe!!!!
Ha! – Great Capture! I find it a little ironic that Santa is the one miffed and pouting because usually it is the child.
Oh, yes, my brother is quite the ham when it comes to playing Santa.
Poor Santa. But can’t say I blame Hank. Santa can be scary. And the Easter Bunny? Don’t get me started. lol
You never know how little ones are going to react to Santa.
Santa does look a little pouty there,lol
Wonderful story
Thanks for shareing this!
You’re welcome. I’m so glad I captured that moment with my camera. Certainly a different perspective on Santa.
Yea,,great capture,a moment in time that will become a treasured memory you can look back on!
Precisely.
Too often little moments like that are missed!
These are the moments I like to capture. The unexpected.
This is priceless, I bet this photo could win some kind of Christmas photo contest….really! Nice capture Audrey, I love it. Little hank is growing up fast….same age as our Carson! Merry Christmas to you and your family, blessings…Jackie
Oh, Jackie, thank you. Yes, Hank is growing so fast. What a fun age, as you know.
A most blessed Christmas to you, Rick and the family, dear friend.
What a wonderful story this picture will tell for years and years to come. The Christmas Hank ticked off Santa 😀
Merry Christmas!
LOL. Ticked off Santa. Love that.
How funny that he was so scared of him that he was crying, yet was still happy to take a lolly. If you don’t mind me saying, it reminds me of my dogs. When I take them to the vet they tremble and shake but if the vet hands them a treat they’ll cautiously take it xx
Funny comparison.
Great shot!
I tried to photograph Hank crying. But the light was do dim and I didn’t like what I got. Then this happened…
Fabulous capture! I would like to think that Santa was just thinking…….:-)
Perhaps. Thinking…