The year was 1979 when my mother, with her then 9-month-old daughter, ventured to the mall to meet Santa and snap a picture. Little did she know, that chilly winter day marked the beginning of a cherished tradition.
Fast forward 43 years and three more children later, my siblings and I have never skipped a Santa photo op. Not as kids, moody teenagers, indifferent young adults, busy professionals, or even as parents ourselves. This has been our mother’s heartfelt Christmas wish, and we honor it without hesitation.
The Magic of Christmas
As kids, Christmas was nothing short of magical. Visiting Santa meant sharing our wishes and hoping to find ourselves on the nice list. My mom aimed to capture that enchanting spirit for us for as long as possible. With a six-year age gap between us, I might have started to doubt Santa around 8 or 9, but my younger siblings kept the magic alive for a few more years. One steadfast rule in our household was: never spoil the fun for the others. And we never did. As long as one of us believed, the Santa visits continued.
Growing Up, But Not Growing Out
Even after we outgrew the fantasy, we still took pictures. I can’t recall any of us expressing a desire to stop. Sure, there were moments where I might have felt a little embarrassed, especially when a cute boy walked by, but that was fleeting. We participated for our mom; she deserved that from us.
My mother always strived to create the best Christmas experience for us. Each year was filled with cookies, decorations, and festive carols. It was her favorite time of year, and she ensured we embraced it fully. There were outings to see Christmas lights and enjoy holiday plays. Each year was unique yet anchored by that visit with Santa.
The Tradition Continues
As we transitioned into adulthood, the true magic of our tradition became apparent. Seeing a group of twenty-somethings waiting in line for Santa might raise eyebrows, but when we shared our story with curious onlookers, their reactions highlighted how special this tradition truly is. It guarantees one day a year when all four of us are together, all smiling in one frame. It’s one of my most treasured family memories.
Now that my mother no longer joins us for the picture, we coordinate our busy lives to keep this tradition alive. It’s our gift to her every Christmas. And why wouldn’t it be? Santa is indeed real, though not in the traditional sense. For me, he symbolizes love. It’s not about extravagant gifts but rather about giving your time, talent, and affection to those who matter most. For my siblings and me, just one 5×7 photo fulfills a Christmas wish.
A Legacy of Love
Over the years, our mom has brought countless Christmas dreams to life. From battling crowds for Cabbage Patch dolls to braving the cold for a Super Nintendo, she always made our wishes a priority. If a Santa picture is what she desires, we will always make it happen. We’ve promised to uphold this tradition until we’ve all lived long, fulfilling lives. And hopefully, our children will continue to share this gift with us, as nothing would bring me more joy than seeing them together year after year during the holidays.
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Summary
This article reflects on a 43-year family tradition of taking pictures with Santa, highlighting the importance of family bonding and the joy of maintaining cherished memories throughout different life stages. The tradition began in 1979 and has continued despite the children growing up, symbolizing love and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.