09/03/2026
*OG* Santa says hello!! 👋
Paid him a little visit today and went down memory lane. He even put on a Santa hat for me!
I’ll visit again in December if anyone wants to make him a card or print a photo for him to look at 🎅 💗
I met Santa John 17 years ago when I started my journey with photography. I worked at the Picture People in the mall.
As I began my own career in photography I always had a dream and a vision about this big magical EXPERIENCE with Santa. Not just sitting on a lap for a photo and a quick ‘tell me something you want for Christmas’ gig. I wanted a real magical memory that kids could carry with them forever. And now here I am over in the background just snapping away and capturing the magic between them.
Santa tried to tell me I’d make more money if I had shorter sessions and ‘did less’. Thing is, I mean, money is nice - especially these days! But, that wasn’t what my main objective was. It was to give these kids and families something unforgettable.
We had 8 great years working together before he ‘aged out’ of his role 😉 The stories he told, the jokes… oh the jokes… he had lots. And tricks, too! He mesmerized the kids and we started a tradition for many families that came back year after year, for the REAL Santa.
I’m so happy I can still visit and talk to him.
He has Alzheimer’s so sometimes he remembers things and sometimes not. He’s been bed ridden for 4 years now but still talks a bit and has bright spirits and smiles.
Next time I’m bringing him cookies and anything anyone has for me to pass along. 🥰