Why torture Santa

OK, so we though we would try again. We have never managed to get our little ones on Santa's lap. Each year they say that they want to see him, so here is our "Santa Encounter" from yesterday. My little Natalee has been talking about seeing Santa for weeks now, so I thought we would take her yesterday after church. We all went to the mall to see the Jolly Man himself. John and I both asked Natalee repeatedly if this is what she wanted to do and each time she said, "Yes, I want to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what I want for Christmas." OK, so after waiting 45 minutes in the Santa line it was finally out turn. Even Delaney was excited. She ran to him a few times while other children were in his lap. OK, so it is time...Natalee and Delaney both walked up there on their on accord. Natalee got in his lap with no problem, and then it was like a light bulb went off in her head..."Holly Crap, this is really Santa! Where is my Dad" She got this look of worry all of sudden. In the mean time Delaney walked up to him and sat on his lap and it was at this point that I felt bad for Santa. It was obvious that we as parents enjoy torturing our children and Santa. I could tell that Santa had been forced to hold down a few too many children to get that perfect picture for Mom and Dad. Although Delaney went into a screaming tailspin Santa was willing to hold her that and let her scream for the sake of a picture. I told him that was OK. There was no need to torture him or my little one. Natalee continued to stay on his lap and did not speak a word. It was kind of funny. Well needless to say it was kind of awkward. Natalee did not have a melt down but she did seem to be star struck. "Holly cow, it is really him" seemed to be the look on her face. She would not talk to him or look at him. I think just sitting on his lap was good enough for her for right now. Oh well, we will try again next year. So I ask parents everywhere. STOP TORTURING SANTA! If you child screams when they sit on his lap do not force this poor man to hold them down just for a photo. If you really want to see your children screaming while sitting in Santa's lap then torture yourself and rent a suit, have your kid sit in your lap, pinch him or her really hard and then take the picture. Santa has been through enough!