To be thinking wtf re Santa

[Startwithamimosa]

I was talking to my friend about talking DC to see Santa, she said you're no longer allowed to sit on his knee and haven't for some years. I thought that was really sad, AIBU?

It all depends on were you go. My son sat on his knee when we visited a local grotto.

others i’ve seen kids are awkwardly perched on a stool about 6 feet away

DDs have always sat next to him. They've always seen him together, so not sure how he would have both on his knee anyway... plus being plonked on a strangers knee can be quite terrifying for a toddler.

Exactly, sad for parents not getting a traditional photo, but not baby-child wants to be sat on a strangers lap , it's scary

Why would you even want that?

I don't remember it being a thing.

Kids sit beside him or stand and chat to him.

I liked it as a child, it was so nice to see Santa. Totally get if the child doesn't want to of course. I just thought it was sad it wasn't allowed. Seems like another thing of childhood gone, maybe I'm getting old 🤷‍♀️

Seems reasonable. My knees would hurt.

Probably best not to encourage kids to sit on people

Why would you want your child to sit on a random blokes knee? Parents need to remember it’s not really Santa - it’s a strange bloke who could be anyone, dressed up as Santa.

I think it’s a positive change and is more respectful to children’s feelings. You liked sitting on Santa’s knee but I remember seeing some children either crying or looking a bit withdrawn or anxious.

He is Santa but he’s still an unfamiliar adult.

My dd enjoyed sitting beside Santa. So, not sad for me or her. 🎅🤶🎄

No! It's really him sobs

Obviously he’s not a real Santa. I meant he is portrayed to children as the real Santa.

Well it's because we now have more respect for children's autonomy and personal space, and not to be manhandled/ plonked on a stranger's knee.

How is that not a good thing?

Yes, you're probably right. I guess I didn't think of it as anything sinister but I can see this point as well

I'm.sure the kids lives won't be scarred by not sitting on some random.blokes knee

It's not really even about anything sinister. It's just a shift in cultural attitudes. It's no seen as longer OK to grab/ manhandle children without their consent and that's a good thing.