'Sleeping Santa' photo goes viral on Facebook
BOISE, Idaho - An Idaho woman's 2011 Christmas photo of her infant son with Santa Claus seems to be going viral.
Sarah Pasley of Meridian shared the following story on Facebook on the baby clothing store Carters Facebook page.
"My mother and I had braved the mall (on a Saturday in December of all days) in hopes of capturing a picture of my 8 month old son, Kiptyn "meeting" Santa.
"We stood in line for over 30 minutes waiting for our turn. Of course, 5 mins before our turn to meet Santa, Kiptyn fell asleep!! Part of me thought we should just get out of line & avoid wasting anyone else's time that busy Saturday, but as we went to leave Santa gestured us over. I handed Kiptyn to my Mom & grabbed my camera. "
"I was escorted outside of the fenced area in order to snap my own shots. What happened next will be one of my all time favorite memories of Christmas... Santa grabbed his book & slowly laid back into his oversized chair. He then silently motioned for my Mom to lay Kiptyn on his stomach. Kiptyn stirred for a moment and I thought he'd wake for sure. "
"Santa hushed him & Kiptyn's little arms fell into such a peaceful position. After we finished taking pictures we heard a round of applause from the crowd that had gathered around below & above in the rotunda. I just wish this jolly ol' man could know how truly special he is. I can honestly say that I believe in Santa and the magic of the holiday season again. I'd just like for everyone to see how special the Santa at the Boise Towne Square mall really is. "
Sarah Pasley of Meridian shared the following story on Facebook on the baby clothing store Carters Facebook page.
"My mother and I had braved the mall (on a Saturday in December of all days) in hopes of capturing a picture of my 8 month old son, Kiptyn "meeting" Santa.
"We stood in line for over 30 minutes waiting for our turn. Of course, 5 mins before our turn to meet Santa, Kiptyn fell asleep!! Part of me thought we should just get out of line & avoid wasting anyone else's time that busy Saturday, but as we went to leave Santa gestured us over. I handed Kiptyn to my Mom & grabbed my camera. "
"I was escorted outside of the fenced area in order to snap my own shots. What happened next will be one of my all time favorite memories of Christmas... Santa grabbed his book & slowly laid back into his oversized chair. He then silently motioned for my Mom to lay Kiptyn on his stomach. Kiptyn stirred for a moment and I thought he'd wake for sure. "
"Santa hushed him & Kiptyn's little arms fell into such a peaceful position. After we finished taking pictures we heard a round of applause from the crowd that had gathered around below & above in the rotunda. I just wish this jolly ol' man could know how truly special he is. I can honestly say that I believe in Santa and the magic of the holiday season again. I'd just like for everyone to see how special the Santa at the Boise Towne Square mall really is. "
That's best picture I ever seen in years! I bet that the picture is now in big frame on the wall for years to come
So many stories in the news were disheartening and this gem made my day. What a wonderful story and photo to treasure.
Sweet!
THAT is the cutest stinkin' picture ever! Â ha ha!!! Â Tis the Season to be sleepy! Â
awwwwwww! Precious!
A welcome break from the commercialism of modern Christmas.
Absolutely precious!Â
Some Santas are just the best. This is like a Norman Rockwell painting. Not many will remember, but many years ago when our downtown Macy's was Meier & Frank...there was a Santa who had the honor of being M&F's Santa for many years. He actually was an actor at the Portland Theatre. But better than that, he loved the yearly role. My son first met him at age 3...and every year after that until he was 10. But his 4th year was the best. With his dad, grandma and i standing in line, my son gingerly walked up to him, Santa stretched out his arms...Santa looked up at us standing there, and he shouted toward my husband.."Linc! Good to see YOU! This son of your's has certainly grown this year!" OMG...we snapped a photo of my son's huge eyes and open mouth at the realization that Santa DOES exist...and he KNOWS DAD!!! We we were just as stunned because we had no clue as to who he was and how did he know my husband?!??? Grandma has passed now...as has this magical Santa. But at 39, my son still "believes" in Santa :) True story~
@fracas that Santa gave me a Christmas tree sapling when I was a kid. We planted it on the corner of our tree nursery and wouldn't let anybody touch it. It must be 30 or 40 feet tall now. The monorail is on floor display at Macy's now and I can't believe how tiny it is.
@Playanekes LOL...my son and his fiance went there a couple of weeks ago...my son is a sentimental sort :)...and he was expecting the full size monorail he used to ride on to be up and running although I told him that Macy's chose to no longer have it. The monorail you saw was just for display, and frankly, I don't see the purpose of it except as a reminder of how it used to be for some of us. Have to laugh though...the last time he rode it he was 7...14 days later he and a bunch of kids he had ridden with all came down with chicken pox LOL The good ol' days. But that Santa was awesome...a sad day when we heard he had passed away.
Here is a Santa dedicated to his "craft!"
This is soooooooooo great. When that kid grows up, he is going to have the best picture in the world to show his friends.  Bravo Santa, Bravo.
Cuteness factor: Â 9.8 Â Â too funny!
Classic! Best Santa ever.
Ok, that got me. Tears of Joy.
gotta say it....this is indeed adorable
Faith in humanity is fully restored
Thanks Santa!
@Mike_J Well I wouldn't say fully, but that is a great start
Great picture!
That is fantastic!  Way to go, Santa!Â
Great story!  Merry Christmas!
Dear KBOI web staff:Â There is no 'e' in Santa Claus.
 @RatchetRanger Good catch. Fixed.
@BillatKATU @RatchetRanger Merry Christmas Bill
Awww... really sweet. He didn't have to do that but he did, which is what makes it so special.
What a wonderful story and picture. Thanks KATU for running it. After reading today's headlines, this totally made my day.
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Awesome picture,and story!
Santa is not real!
 @B Smizzle Oh Smizzle, why so serious?  MUST you ruin Christmas?  Shaking finger at you. Â
 @B Smizzle Neither are you.
Â
@B Smizzle But the coal you will get in your stocking IS real. Come on, I always told my kids, if you BELIEVE, then yes, there is a Santa.Â
Bah Humbug.
@B Smizzle But the SPIRIT of Santa most certainly IS!
Christmas is alive and well in America. Thanks, KATU, for running this story.
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My daughter (6 year old) confessed to me that Santa Claus isn't real. Actually, she explained, he's just some guy who goes around from house to house giving people presents. But, of course, she's okay with that.
Cool story.
That is definitely a keeper! Love how Santa turned the situation into a priceless moment.
Thanks for sharing. that picture is now my background for the rest of the year! Best Santa U.S.A.!
Very cool. Merry Christmas to everyone.
What a precious picture!Â
If there is awards for Santa of the Year, This Santa should receive it :)