Pictures with Santa

[Chloe'sMama]

I was at our local mall yesterday and Santa was already out there taking pictures. This is our first Christmas with our daughter, so I wanted to see the pricing. I just about died when I saw that packages start at $15.99. That is just crazy......

Anyways I was looking online this morning about the costs of Santa pictures and there was an article in the NYtimes about how you can take your own photos of santa. I don't know how this works in each city, but I think it is worth a try. Free pictures vs. $20.

[alicia622]

I believe you can take your own pictures of your kid with santa at the mall here. I think many people find it easier to just pay for them to do it and get a bunch of copies right up front rather than do it themselves.

[Tangled Hill]

We've always taken our own pictures, and nobody's ever looked at us cross-eyed. Our mall's pricing usually starts at $19.99, I think. There's no way I'm paying that. Besides, I can move around to get the good shots, and I can take multiple pictures. They don't. I'd never buy the photos there.

Here, tons of people take their own photos. Of course, many of those people also buy the packages (why both, I don't know). Every once in a while, you'll see someone like me, though, who doesn't.

ETA: Here, they wander through the line asking people if they want a package, and which one. So, I think they're prepared for people like us.

[katheek77]

At the malls around here, you can only take your own pictures if you buy one of the packages, as well.

I always get the smallest package and then just use our copier to make more copies for the relatives.

[grniys]

Our mall packages are all $25.

And yeah, I'll go ahead and pay the $25.

It makes me sick to think about it though. Ick. $25 for a picture with Santa.

[Purple*Lotus]

We took our cats to get their picture with Santa one year at the pet store, and they were just taking those crappy polaroids. I asked the guy if I could take one myself with my camera and he said it was no problem. I don't see any reason not to ask.

However, the Santa at our mall only does polaroids as well. I have never seen a Santa station that had actual picture packages. :

[muchpeace]

We don't go to the mall, its too much for our boys.

We do go to a local Catholic high school in our area which usually has a Santa aka St. Nicholas there. We do a cookie walk & get a family picture with Santa from the school for a small donation (we can take as many of our own with camera). Plus the money for the picture from the school is used to help with activties for the kids (like music).

You can always check out the local area & see if there are other options besides the mall. For us it's nice because it's easy, not busy, & the kids have fun.

[kijip]

We go to Nordstroms. They let you take your own pictures even if you don't buy. We do buy a small package anyways because it's just something we like to do and can afford.

[Pumpkin_Pie]

I had my son's picture taken with Santa last year and I bought the smallest package that they had. they also gave me a cd with the pic on it for an extra $5. That was worth it to me, as I will always have the pic and could email it to friends and family. They lighting was really great, and although DS wasn't all that thrilled, I liked the pic.

[pbob]

Last year, in our small town, kids could get free pictures with Santa at the library, CVS, and a local bank. The library had a very nice party with games, crafts, snacks and a visit from santa. Definately more memorable than waiting in line at the mall.

[grniys]

Last year we were shopping at walmart and they were doing free pictures with Santa, so we did that. The only thing was you had to go back several hours later and dig through hundreds of other people's Santa pictures to find yours.

[CarrieMF]

Here the mall Santa pics are done by a professional photographer & there's no way I'd get them due to the cost(and waiting).

Dh's work has a kids party & Santa comes to that so I get photos then. When the kids were in playschool Santa would come to the christmas concert so I'd get them there too.

[caiesmommy]

Last year our pics cost 11 bucks...webought the smallest package which was two small pics w keychains!...then we took the pics and photocopied them for like 5 cents a copy

[Purple*Lotus]

Originally Posted by Pumpkin_Pie

I had my son's picture taken with Santa last year and I bought the smallest package that they had. they also gave me a cd with the pic on it for an extra $5. That was worth it to me, as I will always have the pic and could email it to friends and family. They lighting was really great, and although DS wasn't all that thrilled, I liked the pic.

Very cute I like it when the Santa's look happy. Some of them look moody

[Pumpkin_Pie]

Originally Posted by Bunnyflakes

Very cute I like it when the Santa's look happy. Some of them look moody

He was actually kind of creepy. I am pretty sure that is why my son looks so freaked out. He wouldn't even acknowledge my son when I put him on his lap. I almost backed out, but the pictures were taken so quick, that I just snatched him up and paid for my pic.

He did look like a "real" Santa though! I am pretty sure Santa pictures won't happen this year. DS's stranger anxiety is at an all time high, so it would just be a pic of a thrashing, sobbing toddler. Not so fun all the way around that one.

[miss_sonja]

Some places let you snap your own; others are sticklers about you buying the package. Sometimes, churches do a Santa picture op where you can bring your own camera.

[flowmom]

Sorry to be a bummer, but I think that most babies/toddlers/young children are terrified by being handed over to a wierd-looking stranger in a mall . I don't see the point of traumatizing my little ones just for a photo .

[HydeParkB]

Originally Posted by Ksenia

Sorry to be a bummer, but I think that most babies/toddlers/young children are terrified by being handed over to a wierd-looking stranger in a mall . I don't see the point of traumatizing my little ones just for a photo .

DH played Santa for the Parks Department for DD's first and second Christmas. She freaked out the first year, probably wondering why Santa sounded like Daddy. She was better the second year, but not thrilled with the prospect. And now she LOVES Santa and can't wait to see him.

Kansas City's Parks Department does several events that include Santa and free polaroids, and the opportunity to take your own picture.

[MrsAprilMay]

The two big malls here charge crazy prices for pics with Santa, and you aren't allowed to take your own. There is a smaller strip mall that has take your own Santa pics for free. Also, Walgreens has free Santa pictures every year. You can buy more for a very reasonable price.

[loitering]

Originally Posted by Ksenia

Sorry to be a bummer, but I think that most babies/toddlers/young children are terrified by being handed over to a wierd-looking stranger in a mall . I don't see the point of traumatizing my little ones just for a photo .

So no one should have pictures with Santa because some kids get scared? How about just asking your kid if they want to do it, and if they say no or look like they're getting upset, taking them away?

It's a bit ridiculous to assume that we're all forcing our screaming children onto Santa's lap so that we can have a cute picture.