Why I Am Determined to Make Christmas Photos Happen
This year has been extremely difficult for everyone. 2020 is a year to remember but not in the way we want. Being a toddler mom, I have all these expectations for how I want the holidays to be. Obviously not all my hopes for the holidays will be met. There is one thing I absolutely will not concede: Christmas pictures. My personal expectations consist of pictures of my almost 2-year-old with Santa. I want the picture. I need the picture. It’s for my sanity. I, like most folks, am over the pandemic stealing my year. I will not allow this tough time to take my Santa pictures. 
There are different ways to accomplish Christmas photos. The first is Christmas mini sessions. Many local photographers are hosting different COVID compliant Mini Sessions. Different backgrounds / environments can be chosen safely. Most photographers are offering outdoor landscapes that can give our Christmas experience a magical platform. Most are taking temperatures and having COVID questionnaires completed before the photo session.
Mall Santa
Most families think of holiday photos as the picture of their child and the mall Santa. It is a staple of Christmas. This year is obviously different. At first, the thought of not having this picture this year of my baby girl with Santa was depressing. I refuse to have this pandemic steal one more thing from us. The wonderful photographers at the local malls heard our calls. This year pictures with Santa will happen but appointments are necessary. Temperatures are being taken and some mall Santas will be wearing masks. Some sessions allow the children to take off their masks when taking the photo.
Group Santa
The most common option this year is having a family member dress up as Santa. This is the safest option for most families. With this option, most families can safely take their holiday photos. Grab Grandpa, Uncle Bob or Dad and dress him up as Papa Noel. Offer your most bearded family member / friend some incentive (think food / wine / beer / milk and cookies) and take that golden Santa photo with your kids. Temporary sprayed hair colors can be purchased from the local beauty shop.
Santa, please come home this Christmas
Whatever option you select, remember that the holidays are what you make them. Mommas, don’t sweat the small stuff. If all you have time for is a picture in front of a candy cane from the Dollar Store, then make that picture count. Don’t feel guilty. This year has been rough. Whatever you decide, don’t let the pandemic steal your Christmas photos.
