It happens every year. As October comes to a close with Halloween, a whole new experience awaits us in November: Christmas! That’s right, while November should be about planning Thanksgiving with your family and setting your itinerary for black Friday, everywhere you go Christmas surrounds you. Christmas tree plots are popping up everywhere, Christmas sections are being blocked off in local stores and last, but certainly not least, Santa Clause is showing up around your neighborhood.
The Oaks Mall, located at 6419 W. Newberry Road, Gainesville, Fla., has already implemented its Christmas celebration. It’s a Christmas tradition for children to sit on Santa’s lap and this year is no exception to that. All year children think of everything they want or need. From the most extravagant to the most mundane, children usually want everything. Who better to ask than the man himself?
Starting on Nov. 7 and lasting through Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, children of all ages can visit a winter wonderland located outside of Belk’s department store in the Oaks Mall. The section is embellished with everything one would attribute to Christmas: Christmas trees, seasonally wrapped presents and Santa Claus himself, taking a break from his gift making duties at the North Pole.
Children can sit on Santa’s lap, ask for anything their heart desires and parents can capture the moment forever, for a monetary fee of course. While any parent can take a picture of their child standing outside of the section, they can also purchase portrait quality pictures taken by the staff. For $26.99 parents can purchase a package that includes various sizes of prints ranging from a 5x7 to several wallet sized photos.
Those without children of the human variety can even bring in their furry children. On the Mondays of Nov. 16, 23, 30 and Dec. 7 and 14, you can bring your pets from 6-9 PM and have their picture taken with Santa as well.
Other items included for purchase are coffee mugs, plates, mouse pads, greeting cards and the option for obtaining your pictures online.
As you exit Belk’s you first encounter the outside of Santa’s house.
As you walk around you enter into Santa’s house and see Santa himself, patiently waiting for desirous children.
Mellisa (left) and Sondra (right) assist customers in selecting the prints they would like to purchase, they enjoyed being called Santa’s helpers.
Sabrina informs Santa of incoming children.
Simply known as “Santa”, he declined comment until he could talk to Mrs. Claus and get her approval.