Posted on 12/28/2004 5:01:37 PM PST by pissant
Nothing says Happy Holidays like a photo of sweet little toddlers screaming at Santa. The first 25 photos in this gallery are from the Chicago Tribune's "Scared of Santa" contest in 2003. All the rest of the photos were submitted by SouthFlorida.com readers this year. Enjoy!
First place: No one, not even the office Grinches, failed to laugh at this shot from Valerie Miller of Lansing, who captured now-22-year-old daughter Amie’s first glimpse of St. Nick--artfully rendered in plastic. It’s the first in a series that Miller says she torments Amie with every year. Now this is a mom who knows what Christmas is all about.
(Excerpt) Read more at southflorida.com ...
Look, I'm sure you are a very nice and kind person, but methinks you've got a lot of us all wrong. We aren't laughing out of some schadenfreude thrill at seeing children terrified to wits end, but rather recalling that little kids sometimes cry at the drop of the hat and for no reason at all. Those photos bring back memories we've all experienced, where the tears and squeals started flowing and then 5 seconds later magically disappeared, or wailing triggered by the most innocent of things, that weeks later, or perhaps even in just minutes, would end up being one of their favorite toys or pets or persons, sources of terror quickly turned into objects of endless fascination. Memories of how they absolutely hated their first car ride or haircut, of the difficulties of teaching them not to fear the slightest change.
Its not like we cruelly left them bawling in Santa's lap for 15 minutes(though some of us had to leave them crying in the crib until they adjusted, which is probably far more painful longterm for us than them, who won't remember it), but rather a snapshot of the moment, with comfort and relief on the way. C'mon, you know that just because a toddler cries doesn't mean the parent should always give in to their every desire. That is part of what we are recognizing in those photos.
Because it's over the top. You're teaching your child to fear everything, whether you know it or not.
What do you mean?
See post #141, I think diddly says it better than I could. :) By the way, I'm not trying to make you feel bad or anything like that. I've noticed my posts have taken on a weird tone lately, and I don't mean it, ok?
I remember certain events from age 2 or 3 --- and I remember thinking Santa Claus was scary looking --- until I figured he was more likely to bring the things I wanted if I didn't run off and instead told him. I don't think it left me scarred for life. Look what we do to kids during Halloween --- but most kids like it.
That's pretty funny.
Anyhow --- when I was a kid I adjusted pretty well to the idea of Santa Claus --- but the Easter bunny and the Tooth Fairy always bothered me. To think of a big huge rabbit --- big enough to carry in Easter baskets for you and all your siblings --- actually able to get into the house while everyone was asleep ---- or some weirdo after fallen out teeth actually coming into your bedroom and managing to get under your pillow while you slept......
I'll remember to stay out of "Twinkie the Clown's" way. I don't need nightmares. :)
Get a load of my new tagline, Zoobee! :oO (This is how clown faces look when they smile with those big mouths, unfortunately).
EEEEEEEEK! It's Michael Moore!
bump!
BTTT for a hilarious thread!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.