Everly Meets Santa… Twice

With Santa for the first time, dress details, looking cute for photos is very hard work and needs a bottle break, we were given a red blanket and colouring book, not happy that she could not hold the camera.

We took Everly for photos with Santa last week, we had a few family members request this photo so we decided to go for it. While we won’t be bringing Everly up to “believe” in Santa (I was that kid in school that never believed in Santa, and knew the jolly, big guy, in a red suit came about thanks to advertising by Coca-Cola) we do enjoy the movies Santa is featured in, and the fun his character brings to the holiday. This was her first time actually seeing Santa in the mall and meeting Santa.

Willowbrook Shopping Centre.

We actually ended up going twice, to two different malls. The first photo was taken at Willowbrook Shopping Centre in Langley. Everly was great, she wouldn’t smile though. At one point though she did just look at Santa. I quickly said “Oh that would be a cute photo”, thankfully the photographer managed to snap that moment. I didn’t even think to ask to see the photos. Sadly they did not even offer to let me see what there was, and select what photo we thought was the best. The photographer just said “You liked her looking at Santa right?” to which I replied yes, and BAM! The photo was printed. We do really like it as it is different from what most have as their first photo with Santa, and bonus she isn’t crying or freaking out. I just wish I had been able to view the photos, I was in such a daze as trying to make sure Everly was happy and content, that I didn’t think to ask. My only issue with the photo is how dark the chair is, in the actual print the whole photo is dark. With having gone early in the season, we were given a lovely red fleece blanket for Everly, which we will be putting to good use when we go out for walks to see Christmas lights. We were also given some candy canes, and a colouring book. We went ready to have to be in the photo with her, but we didn’t need to be. She is such a people person, and loves to just watch those around her. It didn’t surprise me she did well.

Guildford Town Centre

The next mall we went to was Guildford Town Centre, we were joined by friend’s of ours as they wanted to take their daughter and son for a photo with Santa too. I managed to goof on the times Santa was there (be sure to read fine print for when his breaks are), so we did end up having to wait an hour before getting our photo. It worked out well though as we got some shopping in, and still managed to be at the front of the line. We loved the set up and decorations here. There is lots for little ones to look at, and they even walk through the inside of a Christmas tree. Everly enjoyed the little animals they have on display that move. This time Everly did look at the camera, because Daddy was trying his hardest to get her to smile… it was a no go. Poor girl was teething, and had major red cheeks. She matched Santa and his bright reed cheeks too. I was much happier with the brightness in this photo, but again when you see the actual print something is just off with the colour. I also really wish the chair back was shorter. The tree they have Santa sitting in front of is stunning, I would have loved for there to be more of the tree in the photo background.

Both Santa’s were extremely kind, and so good with Everly. The one at Willowbrook did pay a bit more attention to her, and even cheered her on when she was trying to walk after having her photo taken. That Santa also commented on how he liked our choice of outfit colour. Santa advises against putting your little ones in a Santa suit by the way, he also suggest trying to put your little ones in complimentary colours to red so they stand out in the photo. Good tips from the big guy. Each mall uses the same company, and has the same prices for photo packages. I would have loved to see an option to just get the photo on a disc and not have to buy prints first then pay extra for a disc with the image on it. I understand that they make their money off print purchases. It would just be nice to have the option for this so that you can print as many copies as you would like, and have it be more budget friendly. Plus its hard to get nice quality reprints from scanning the image. Photos with Santa can run a pretty penny depending on what photo package you select. If you are out Metrotown direction, their photos with Santa are done by donation to the Christmas Bureau which I think is a great thing. The set up there is beautiful too.

Will you be taking your little one for photos with Santa? If so, where will you be going with them?