Retro ‘Ho No’ Santa Trauma

The Harris twins in 2010 with scary Santa at Monmouth Mall
Photo/courtesy of Bernadette Harris

We’re bringing this scary Santa gem back from the 2018 archives. Originally posted on Dec. 12, 2018, this is the stuff priceless scary Santa pics are made of … This one was from 2010. We wish these older now twins a very happy holiday and thanks for the bowl full of jello belly laugh!

Sometimes you just win a trifecta when asking for a winning photo of children’s miserable experiences on the lap of Ol’ Saint Nick during the holidays. 

It’s the giving season alright. We asked and we received … a doozy triple dose of that special blend of humorous misery at the hands of Santa posing. 

This photo takes us back a mere eight years ago to Santa time in 2010 with Bernadette Harris’ not-quite-2-year-old twins at a Monmouth Mall visit. The twins, Jemma (left) and Natalie (right) are having none of any sort of holiday cheer in this shot. And, well, Santa may be even more miserable or questionable than the twins.

Poor little Natalie looks like she’s in a bit of an Oedipus moment here. It only takes a moment … to give a mom and some onlookers a lifetime of laughs and, yes, holiday cheer. This is the stuff from which Grinchy grins are made. All in good fun. 

Mom says so herself. “It’s my favorite Santa pic ever,” Harris said. “You can’t tell who is more unhappy — them or Santa. It was only 10 seconds captured forever!” 

Santa, kids, you sleigh us! 

Please send us your miserable child photos with Santa! They truly brighten days. Email them to [email protected]. We’re waiting for some more Santa time sleighing.