My Problem with Santa Pictures

I have to be honest: people posting “funny” photos of their children crying with Santa disturbs me. 

I know, I know, it can be funny from the adult perspective.

But,

From that child’s perspective, this is terrifying. 

They feel like they are in danger, unsafe with this strange bearded man, and mom and dad are not protecting them. In fact, they’re letting this happen. Laughing.

Oh, the horror for that child.

The truth is, this isn’t silly for the child, it’s terrifying, and can even be traumatic. 

I put no shame on the parents who have let their child cry in the arms of Santa; our culture has normalized this and you don’t know what you don’t know.

And, that’s why I write this post. Let’s do better for our kiddos.