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Photos w/Santa - what lengths (and cost) would you go to?

ludyjanboltzludyjanboltz
in North Dakota Babies

For the last couple of months there has been this buzz on my local board about a certain Santa in town that is "the Santa" to go to.  He's so popular that you have to make a reservation and it costs $15 just to hold your spot.  The scheduling is done online and just opened up yesterday.  I guess the website was so overwhelmed that it crashed.  There were so many posts on the other board about it - people were in an absolute tizzy over it because they weren't able to make their reservation.

Also, the cheapest package is $22.95 for a 5 X 7.  The prices just go up from there.  They also have a DVD which although I don't know the cost, I think might be worth it especially when your kid can talk.  It would be cute to be able to go back and watch and listen to what he tells Santa. 

Last year we just went to the mall early, stood in line and paid a couple of bucks to take the picture ourselves.  No biggie and I thought he was a pretty good Santa. 

Would you be willing to go through all this?

What are your plans for Santa photos?

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Re: Photos w/Santa - what lengths (and cost) would you go to?

  • LMJacobs23LMJacobs23

    I don't have any LO's yet...but I can't honestly say no I wouldn't go through all of this. I definitely would like to take our kids for their Santa photos- just like we did when we were little...but I'd probably go to the mall, or some other local event. I know for a fact DH wouldn't be interested in dealing with the crowds that would be at the place you're describing!!! Craziness!

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  • jebuelljebuell

    Um... yeah.  I don't have any pictures of me with Santa as a kid and I think my parents only let us stand in line once or twice (we grew up 60 miles from the nearest mall with a Santa).  I came out OK, my kids will, too.  No way will I pay that much for my kid to talk to Santa!

    Although, last year I paid $5 for my niece to be able to call and talk to one of Santa's helpers and leave a message for Santa.  It got emailed to my SIL and she was able to listen to my niece tell all the reasons she's been naughty and nice that year and what she wanted for Christmas.  *That* was really cute and for only $5, well worth it!  Plus we didn't have to sit in any lines.

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  • LMJacobs23LMJacobs23

    imagejebuell:
    Although, last year I paid $5 for my niece to be able to call and talk to one of Santa's helpers and leave a message for Santa.  It got emailed to my SIL and she was able to listen to my niece tell all the reasons she's been naughty and nice that year and what she wanted for Christmas.  *That* was really cute and for only $5, well worth it!  Plus we didn't have to sit in any lines.

    omg! this sounds adorable!!!

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  • ash.fleaash.flea

    I'll go to a Brunch with Santa event this year.  It's like $20 (donation to charity) and you get brunch & one picture with Santa.

    I think if it was that insane I would just skip Santa pictures.  They aren't all that important IMO.  The only reason I'll go to this brunch is because I love & support the organization that does it every year.

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  • libertadwlibertadw
    Honestly, I wouldn't pay that much or wait. Last year we skipped pics with Santa (although I am bummed since it was M's first Christmas) the lines were insane. There are only a few malls that do it, and each mall had at least an hour wait. I really don't think it matters what Santa you go to. But if it really matters to you, do it.
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  • ludyjanboltzludyjanboltz

    imagelibertadw:
    Honestly, I wouldn't pay that much or wait. Last year we skipped pics with Santa (although I am bummed since it was M's first Christmas) the lines were insane. There are only a few malls that do it, and each mall had at least an hour wait. I really don't think it matters what Santa you go to. But if it really matters to you, do it.

    If you make it up to Orange County, the Santa at Crystal Court which is the little mall right across from South Coast Plaza was good and the line wasn't too bad.  We got there before they opened on a Saturday in early to mid December.  We got in line early. 

    I'm not doing this hyped up Santa, but he has quite a following.  It's crazy to me.  I guess a lot of people do it out of tradition.  As for me, I'm okay going to the regular ol' mall Santa. 

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  • jebuelljebuell
    imageLMJacobs23:

    imagejebuell:
    Although, last year I paid $5 for my niece to be able to call and talk to one of Santa's helpers and leave a message for Santa.  It got emailed to my SIL and she was able to listen to my niece tell all the reasons she's been naughty and nice that year and what she wanted for Christmas.  *That* was really cute and for only $5, well worth it!  Plus we didn't have to sit in any lines.

    omg! this sounds adorable!!!

    I couldn't find the one we used last year but here's a free one!  It doesn't sound like you get to talk to an assistant beforehand (who tells you what to say) you just call and leave a message.  But it emails it to you!

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  • Jennifer43Jennifer43
    A photographer in our area sets up a holiday photo shoot that you can make reservations for and she gives you the disk of edited images. She has it at a private location and gives the kids lots of time to play with all kinds of christmasy stuff (lollipops, rocking horse, etc.) and get comfortable with Santa for a good picture. My best friend did it last year and says its a must but I don't know if DH will go for it since she charges $40. Maybe when C is a little older and can actually interact with Santa
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  • AshleysredAshleysred
    I wouldn't do the hyped up santa either.  The mall santa is good enough for me.
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  • Butterflie6381Butterflie6381

    We go to a local pet store every year.  It used to be just Penny, but now we make it a family shot since its the only way to get a picture of the four of us. Its a little bit of an ordeal, since getting a rotty through a pet store is never an easy task, especially when you add an infant to the mix.  Plus, it snows every single year the weekend we go.  It is reasonably priced, and really good photographer, so its worth the effort for us.

     

    I know you are new to your area - is there a shortage of Mall Santas there? Its seems like a lot of hype. I don;t think I would go through all of that, knowing that with an infant/toddler anything can happen.  I'd hate to do all that/ spend a lot and then have the LO cry or be sick. 

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