Santa’s jolly demeanour isn’t always as contagious as we’d hope. Photo: Joe’s Photographics at Warrawong Plaza 2024.
It’s the time of year when all stranger danger talks go out the window and we try to convince our kids to sit on a random man’s lap for the sake of a festive photo, so needless to say – it doesn’t always go so well.
While some kids might be buzzing with excitement to meet the big man in red, there’s a good chance that you won’t get a smiler once the camera comes out and you could instead immortalise the holiday with a photo featuring a stunned mullet or, better yet, a screamer.
And at the price you pay for some Santa photos these days, rest assured you probably won’t be returning time and time again to try to get the perfect shot.
But there’s no need to dwell on disappointment and declare Christmas ruined because you’re child so surprisingly didn’t sit still.
I had a Santa photo every year well into my 20s (don’t judge) and most of them are a blur.
However there are tales that emerge about the experience each year, such as me handing over my dummy to a very lucky Santa at Figtree and insisting on a present there and then in return.
Or the photo I’m just not in because I cracked it so my sister went solo.
And those are the stories that stick.
So when you look at your little red-faced kid in that Santa photo, think of how in 10, 20 years’ time you can remind them of how they chucked a tantrum under the glistening lights of Christmas trees as other families watched from the line.
But I get it, with social media and all that, the pressure is on to keep up appearances (and while you might want to tell your kid about their embarrassing ways in the future, maybe you don’t want the whole world to know just yet), so there are some solutions.
Some Santa photos are expensive but not all are, so if you want to give it another go, there are options that won’t break the bank.
Warrawong Plaza has free Santa photos by Joe’s Photographics where you can get a whole digital gallery without spending a cent … so you can go back again and again. But make sure you check days and times to avoid disappointment (or dirtying a fancy Christmas frock for nothing!).
Santa also often makes appearances at markets, events and Christmas carols over the festive period so keep an eye out for the opportunity to get a sneaky snap, but be prepared that there may be a rush of other families with the same idea in mind.
If your child is genuinely scared of Santa, best to probably not push your luck by forcing them in a photo with him, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up altogether.
Some Santa set-ups in shopping centres have DIY back-ups nearby such as Santa’s Sleigh in Wollongong Central and a number of festive structures and lights at Warrawong Plaza.
Libraries, council buildings and public places sometimes also have decorated trees on display which could be a fun prop for a cute snap.
Dedicated community members who have created spectacular light displays may also have a backdrop that is suitable.
Even Christmas tree farms (if you’re getting a fresh tree) can double as a good location for a photo.
If you’re willing to spend a little more cash, local professional photographers often offer mini-sessions for Christmas which could help get the shot in a more comfortable way.
But most of all, nothing will beat the photos taken the morning of Christmas, with the unmatched joy of the kids’ faces as they open up presents perfectly captured with your bed hair and eye bags from a late night of wrapping and assembling.
