Nov 30, 2007 7:34 pm US/Central
Father Christmas Takes Over A Corner Of A Cafe
(WCCO)
'Tis the season for time with Santa.
Most of us see them at the mall, but Santa is making
a special appearance at a place you wouldn't expect.
It's a Christmas time tradition that's all about
family.
Aaron and Barbara Hardley opened the cafe at 44th Street and
Penn Avenue in north Minneapolis a decade ago.
"It's a warm place -- it's a receiving place," said
Aaron.
You might say it's the perfect place to spread
holiday cheer. So for a few weeks, you'll find Father Christmas taking
over a corner of the cafe and his daughter taking photos. It's a tradition they
started 10 years ago with a small Polaroid camera. Now everything's digital.
"It's the ambiance. Families come and hang out
and they can have a cup of coffee and relax," said Father Christmas, wearing a
Victorian robe and distinguished wire rim spectacles.
It's that relaxed atmosphere and being able to make a
half hour appointment with St. Nick that makes for special memories.
A lot of little ones need time to warm up for the
camera and Santa. The Father Christmas at this café talks softly to the
children and distracts them with Christmas decorations nearby. He tries to let
kids be themselves.
"We try not to pose the children. We try to do
candid shots, so that I can interact with the little ones," said Father Christmas.
The results are just what the parents are wishing
for.
"I thought that would be a great experience, just to go in to
something small, not too overwhelming for the kids. It's been wonderful," said
Michelle Bawek, who
brought her three children in for a photo session.
Father Christmas has this advice for taking photos --
don't expect a performance. He said if you push an apprehensive child, the
shoot will be over before it begins.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
