When I was growing up in suburban southern California, I had to go see Santa at the local mall every year. I remember dreading that event, trying to get out of it, and the mounting horror as you got closer and closer to the front of the line, hearing the shrieks of terror from the children before you…

Which is why I was delighted to find this collection of photos people had sent in of the same situation. It’s fun to laugh at now, but it does make me wonder – do parents really not get how scary this is for a kid? Or worse, do they realize it all too well?

Happy holidays everyone, and best wishes for 2007!