Santa Baby!

There is something oddly appealing to me about kids posing for pictures on Santa's lap.  One of my favorite things to do around the holidays is to put up old photos of me and my brother and sister sitting on Santa's lap.  Over the years, I've managed to collect a few more photos as well, including my mom's visit to Santa, which is reminiscent of  Miracle on 34th Street.  Enjoy!

 This is a photo of my mom with Santa.  She looks a little annoyed that Santa is grabbing her arm!  I absolutely adore the little hat and purse that my mom is wearing...and that painted backdrop is lovely.  This was most likely taken in the late 40s.

Purchased this photo at a local bookstore.  I love the terrified look on this girls face!  She doesn't look like she's about to cry, but seems mesmerized by Santa's gaze.

 This photo was purchased at a local flea market about 10 years ago.  I love the shelving in the background with the giant toys sitting in them.  Its very shadowy and atmospheric and Santa looks slightly menacing.  On the back of the photo is information about the boys. It was taken in 1955. Scott was 3 years old and Jr. was 11 when this photo was taken. It also has the birthdays of the boys as well. Jr's birthday is August 19, 1944 and Scott's birthday is December 9th, 1952. Too bad there are no last names on this photo.

Here I am with my brother and sister.  My little brother looks slightly dazed here.  This was taken at Gimbel's Department Store probably in 1973.  My mom would dress us up in our holiday finery and do our hair so we looked perfect for these photos.  I love that my brother was forced to wear a holiday pin on his turtleneck!  

This is the ultimate 70s Santa photo!  Look at the homemade vests my sister and I are sporting!  Also, note the 70s style shag haircut, which was inspired by Jane Fonda from the film Klute.  The vests were made by our next door neighbors.  They were three sisters who were all old maids living together.  Their names were Lilly, Ruth and Loretta (reminds me of the Golden Girls).  I recall one summer when we were outside playing, Lilly would call us over to her house, and she would do some quick measurements and send us on our way, then at Christmas, we would receive a handmade gift from her and her sisters.  They were the sweetest old ladies and they treated us as if we were their grandchildren.  

This was most likely my very first visit to Santa and I look completely terrified!  This photo was snapped moments before I burst out crying.  Most likely taken in 65'.