![Santa’s Lap Controversy](http://townsquare.media/site/504/files/2019/12/santas-lap.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Santa’s Lap Controversy
My children are fuzzy with four legs, but I basically treat them as if they're my own human babies. I celebrate their birthdays, buy them presents, dress them up for special occasions, and I have even taken them to the mall for a picture with Santa. They were nervous, but the picture turned out cute.
Recently, I was reading about how it's cruel to force your children to sit on Santa's lap. When I initially stumbled upon this article, I was both slightly annoyed and very intrigued. I thought, "Really? It's cruel? Yikes, it's just a picture." But, as I read further, I was no longer annoyed. I actually began to wonder, "Why we do this to kids (and in my case, animals)?"
When I was little, my brother and I got pictures with Santa. Though I don't remember ever being scared of him, I can't help but feel bad for children who might be timid or terrified in that situation. So, why do we force children to take a picture on Old Saint Nick's lap? They learn from a very early age not to talk to strangers, yet they're forced to sit for a picture with this jolly stranger. I can imagine how scary that must be for a small child.
Again, I don't have human babies, but I find myself feeling a little guilty for forcing my cat and dog to sit with Santa JUST because I selfishly wanted this picture. Sure, it doesn't actually hurt pets or kids to do this, but it clearly can be a scary experience for them. Should we consider how our little ones feel before handing them off to Santa?
More From Hot 975
![BUY HERE: Tickets To The Bismarck Downtown Cocoa Crawl](http://townsquare.media/site/505/files/2022/12/attachment-Copy-of-Copy-of-Rebecca-Wanner-BEC-1-31.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![ND And MN In Awe Over Beer Keg Christmas Tree Stand](http://townsquare.media/site/503/files/2022/11/attachment-Miller-Lite-News-in-60-Seconds-YouTube.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Worst Christmas Movies Ever Made](http://townsquare.media/site/442/files/2022/11/attachment-attachment-santa-vs-martians-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Bargains To Deck Your Halls Begin Friday In Downtown Bismarck](http://townsquare.media/site/503/files/2022/10/attachment-jeremy-mcknight-HIk_LMFLDWM-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![What If North Dakota and South Dakota Merged Into One State?](http://townsquare.media/site/504/files/2022/04/attachment-RS45677_GettyImages-1171029205-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Bismarck Man Hosts Mother’s Day Rummage Sale For Ukraine](http://townsquare.media/site/504/files/2022/05/attachment-rummage-sale.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![GoFundMe Started For Girl Paralyzed At Bismarck Hotel](http://townsquare.media/site/504/files/2022/05/attachment-lillyana-coverr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Kids Of Bismarck Dress Parents For A Week (PHOTOS)](http://townsquare.media/site/504/files/2022/05/attachment-RS26697_GettyImages-533833660-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Help The Kids: Bisman Mentor Squad Asks For More People To Volunteer](http://townsquare.media/site/504/files/2022/04/attachment-RS44187_GettyImages-1077690554-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)