I’ll introduce this year’s post with last year’s thoughts…

 

I really loved putting together the Sweet Santa Photo Contest post.  Now more than ever, I so appreciated seeing all the sweet babes with their wonderful holiday smiles.  That being said… there is something really, really funny about Scary Santa photos.  I’m sure Scary Santa pics aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s kind of a childhood right of passage, isn’t it?  Trust me – I have my own Scary Santa pictures, and the 1985-version of me looks pretty damn funny as I scream in (poor, poor) Santa’s face.

 

I’m not sure why wee ones are so freaked out by Santa – maybe it’s the beard, maybe it’s the red suit, maybe it’s just the pressure of being ‘on’ in front of the camera.  But man, oh man – does Santa elicit some major freak outs.  The Scary Santa photos were judged based on the following categories:  the overall creepiness of Santa; Santa’s own freaked out expression; and the oh-so-dramatic expression on the kiddo’s face.

 

First up… The Scary Honorable Mentions

 

Megan sent in this sweet AND scary Santa combo pic!

Regina wrote, “This was Jackson’s first year meeting Santa. As soon as I put him down, he flipped out. He’s usually constantly hamming it up and to be honest, I love this picture so much more. Priceless.”

Becky wrote, “We had high hopes as we were on our way to meet Santa at Birkdale.  Instead of a great big smile, we received this gem instead! Anderson just turned 17 months and is the most social kid.  Apparently he wasn’t feeling Santa this year!”

Becca wrote, “Our daughter Ouisie (said like Weezie) who is 3 was all talk after crying the past two years. When it was our turn, she freaked out… and Santa wasn’t excited either!”

Charity wrote, “As you can see Santa was a huge hit this year! We even tried Mrs. Clause.. He clung onto my husband like we were feeding him to sharks! I can’t look at it without laughing!!”

Megan sent in this picture of her daughter Ellie.

Heather said, “The reindeer in the background of the Santa pic seem to be saying to one another, ‘Looks like we have another set of screamers…’”

Jen sent in a Scary Santa COLLAGE!  She wrote, “My son is 3.5 now and hates his picture being taken and Santa apparently….one day we will get a smile ;). He even has his sister joining in.”

Juliet sent in this photo of her screamer James.

Sara said, “Lukas doesn’t look too sure about this creepy Santa…”

Whitney wrote, “Last year our daughter (then 5 months) was great for Santa!  Not so much this year.  I have titled, this work of art, "How could you do this to me?!"  Luckily Santa kept it together!”

Melissa said, “My 11 month old daughter Molly meeting Santa for the first time!”

J wrote, “This is Sierra’s second year visiting Santa and her second freak out.  Santa’s “Shoot me now” face makes the picture.”

Andrea sent in this one:

Lisa wrote, “The 2 yrd old is my son "Jack", from Dartmouth NS. His big brother "Owen" and cousin "Gracie" are sitting on each side of him.”

Brooke wrote, “This is my daughter Sydney at 16 months.  Santa is actually her daddy.  He plays Santa every year for the foster kids in our county.  We even pulled down his beard at one point to show her it was daddy but she was absolutely terrified of him!”

Lauren’s daughter Emma was a screamer for sure.

Stephani sent in this pic:

Kim wrote, “This is the photo of my daughter Sadie meeting Santa for the first time.  She was not thrilled to be put on his lap!  I thought it was kind of hilarious, does that make me a bad mom? :)”

Lekki wrote, “I felt for sure this year would be a sweet Santa, but… no….”

Haley wrote, “My son Asher with Santa at our neighborhood Christmas party. Maybe next year will go better.”

Whitney wrote, “This was  Whitten’s second time to meet Santa and it did NOT go as smoothly as the first time!! He is officially scared to death of dear old Santa. We had to laugh because the poor man playing Santa looked so helpless with Whitten screaming bloody murder at him!”

Christina wrote, “Couldn’t resist sending in a pic of our Arthur meeting Santa tonight. He is 23 months old. He was actually fine right before and afterwards gave Santa a high five!”

Jillian wrote, “My normally charming, people-loving 10-month-old was not fond of Santa.”

Katie wrote, “Tell us how you really feel, Olivia…”

Jenn sent in this picture!

Amanda wasn’t sure if this should go in Sweet Santa or Scary Santa.  Just for Santa’s expression, I say – SCARY!

Kristi says, “Pure torture….”

Brie sent in this Santa picture.

Rachel wrote, “My 4 1/2 yr old daughter was super pumped to see Santa…until she actually *saw* Santa!  Meanwhile my 22mo old son looks like he’s about to rip off Santa’s hat.”

Tracy sent in this entry.

Amy wrote, “We put her on Santa’s lap and witnessed a moment of shock and a second later… pure terror.”

Alexa sent in this very Scary Santa.

{{DRUMROLL PLEASE}}

 

Here are the finalists!  Which is your favorite Scary Santa picture? 

 

Scary Santa #1:  Lori sent in this picture. I thoroughly liked the giant bow, cute matching shoes, and Santa’s exasperated expression.

Scary Santa #2:  Although  not a screamer, I still love this one.  Holly wrote, “I’m not entirely sure which category this fits into, perhaps "boyfriend repellent" for those teenage years?”

Scary Santa #3: Here’s Mazlyn… Enough said!!!

Scary Santa #4: Stephanie sent in this gem.

Scary Santa #5: Victoria said, “Her shirt says Santa loves me. Her face says not so much.”

Which Scary Santa photo is your favorite?  Vote for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 in the comments section.  On Christmas, I’ll compile all the votes and pick the winner, who will receive a fun prize.