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It all started in 1979 when my mother took her 9-month-old daughter to the mall to meet Santa and snap a picture. Little did she know that this moment would spark a cherished family tradition.
Fast forward 43 years and three more siblings later, and my family has never missed a chance to take a photo with Santa. Whether we were unruly children, moody teenagers, indifferent young adults, busy professionals in our thirties, or parents in our forties with our own kids, we’ve kept this tradition alive for our mother. It’s her one true Christmas wish, and we fulfill it every single year.
For kids, Christmas embodies magic. As children, our visits to Santa were filled with wonder, as we shared our wishes and hoped to be on the nice list. My mother aimed to capture that enchantment for us for as long as possible. With six years separating me from my youngest sibling, even when I began to question Santa around age 8 or 9, my mom still had a few more years of eager children ready to visit the big guy. One rule was paramount in our home: no spoiling the magic for the others. We never did, and as long as the believers remained, the Santa visits continued.
From 1979 to 1987, even after we moved past the fantasy stage, we still lined up for pictures. Strangely, I don’t recall any of us expressing a desire to stop. Sure, there were moments when I’d spot a cute guy and shy away, but that was the extent of my embarrassment. We did it for Mom because she deserved it.
From 1988 to 1996, my mother went all out to make each Christmas special. There were cookies, decorations, and carols filling the air. She ensured we experienced the season to its fullest, with adventures like seeing Christmas lights and attending plays. Each year was different, but the Santa visit remained a constant.
When the commercial excitement began to fade, a deeper magic emerged. Adults in their twenties waiting to see Santa might raise eyebrows, but when we explained our long-standing tradition, we recognized just how special it was. That day each year guarantees us a moment together, one snapshot of all four of us smiling. It’s one of my most cherished family traditions.
From 1997 to 2005, my mother no longer joined us for the photos, but we would coordinate our schedules amidst the chaos of work and family life to keep this tradition alive for her. This is her yearly dose of Christmas magic, and rightly so. To me, Santa Claus embodies love, not merely gifts or extravagant spending. He represents the time, talent, and affection we share with our loved ones. For my siblings and me, that one 5×7 photo fulfills a Christmas dream.
From 2006 to 2014, my mom has brought our Christmas wishes to life for over four decades. Whether braving crowds for a Cabbage Patch doll or standing in the cold for a Super Nintendo, nothing will stop us from making sure she gets her picture with her four children. We’ve committed to this tradition lasting until we’ve all had our full lives, hoping our children will continue it as well. As a mother of four, I can say nothing would delight me more than seeing my kids carry on this legacy year after year.
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Summary
For 43 consecutive years, I have continued the beloved tradition of taking a picture with Santa, a ritual that began with my mother and remains a staple in our family during the Christmas season. This annual event not only brings joy but also strengthens our family bond, ensuring that we create lasting memories together.
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