Retro ‘Ho, No!’ Santa Time

Scary Santa time with Rafer Roberts in 1978
Photo/Kathy Robbins

“Ho, no you don’t!”

That’s what little Fair Havenite Rafer Roberts was likely thinking after he was plopped on scary Santa’s lap for a minute of terrifying quality time and pics in 1978.

Santa’s not looking so jolly, either. So, it’s no wonder the kid had a “Get me outta here!” reaction. He felt the big guy bad vibe. Something like that. Yikes to the tyke.

What’s really clear is that little Rafer is recoiling from the clutches of the bearded, red suited horror who also calls himself Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick. Well, we’re feeling Rafe’s pain here. This purported giant happy guy was misery in this case who didn’t really seem to be loving the company.

Ohhhhh, the misery of one minute on Santa’s lap. If only he could tell us what thoughts crept into his little head with Santa’s not-so-magic touch. It may be something like, “Mama, you lied to me! This is no saintly Santa! It’s a creepy clown with big clown hands and a beard! If you don’t get me off this lap, I swear I’ll barf all over you!”

Your most classic Santa moment with the kids? Do tell!