The Magic Of Santa 2016

My big goal for the New Year is to blog more often. I think I have said that before, lol, but I do want to make the commitment to blog all my sessions. I love to tell stories, and feel that every client I work with has a story to tell!

Every year I do something very special. When I was little, my dad would dress up as Santa Claus on Christmas morning and come wake us up with a lot of "Ho ho ho's" and "Merry Christmas!" He would talk to each of, call us by name, and let us know he got us something special. I always loved that my dad did this. I actually had no idea it was him, believing it was the REAL Santa for years. I was always amazed that my dad would wake up EXTRA early, get dressed in his costume, and come wake us up so we could start out Christmas morning with a little extra magic.

That love has stayed with me for all my life. Even after we were all grown up, he still played Santa, and eventually did it for his grandchildren. How amazing is that? I started collecting Santa dolls because I love the idea of Santa so much, and it is one of my ways of paying tribute to my dad.

My dad was also known for his service to others. He was always giving, always helping. It it one of the things he is most remembered for. As another way of paying tribute to my dad, and honoring the message of Santa and giving service, every year I do a very special Santa Charity session. These are unlike any session, and truly magical for children.


You see, the children have no idea that Santa is even there when they arrive. They think they are there just to do some regular ol' Christmas photos. We get them all set up, take a few photos, then at a special queue from me, Santa sneaks out from behind the Christmas tree! I love being able to tell the kids that a special visitor magically popped in right behind them, lol. They are always so suprised! Even the older kids love it! Sometimes the littlest ones get a little freaked out, as they often do, but because each session lasts up to 20 minutes, there is plenty of time for them to warm up to Santa.

The best part for me is that I get to donate all the session fees to a charity. This year, I decided to donate to Family Promise, which helps the homeless families in our community by providing shelter, food, and clothing. It's a wonderful cause, and I love that it is local.

This year's sessions were our best! And we already have people begging for a spot next year! This truly is my favorite session of the year, and I always look forward to it. Here are some of the amazing photos we were able to capture!!

They had no idea that Santa was right behind them!

Doesn't she look just like Mara Wilson from Miracle on 34th St? Such a little sweetheart!

Isn't she the cutest? We wanted her to look in the lantern, but had no idea she would get up on her little back feet to do it! Straight from Norman Rockwell!

It's really tricky getting animals to cooperate, lol. But wonderful when it all works perfectly!

Two of my favorite pups!! They were a little uncertain about Santa, but still curious enough to make for some great photos!

Christmas is for children young and old! These two brought their furbaby, Melody, so I had to get some of them, too!

Santa knows that all lives are special, no matter your race, your religion, your gender identity, or your income. He loves everyone all the same! I felt this photo of him holding a Black Lives Matter plaque was very fitting.

 It was so funny when my pastor, Rev. Shelley, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden, dropped in to see Santa herself! The UUCO provided us a wonderful location for our sessions this year!