Tammie Grookett's unique photography style eases children’s fears about taking pictures with Santa.

For some children, sitting on Santa’s lap is an anxiously anticipated holiday activity. However, for younger children, the st-range whiskered face is nothing short of terrifying, and no amount of pleading on the parent’s part can convince the child to smile for a snapshot.

That’s where Tammie Grookett, a Columbia photographer, comes in. Her Santa scene in Richland Mall eases children’s fears and gets them smiling and laughing for their parents’ photos.

“We try to make sure the kids are comfortable with Santa,” Grookett explained. “ We don’t let anyone leave screaming and crying. Our main goal is to spread the joy and spirit of Christmas.”

Her unique set–up offers two different scenes. On one side, children can sit with Santa in the traditional living room set–up, complete with an armchair and a fireplace. On the other, children bang away with toy hammers in a Santa’s workshop scene. The latter allows Grookett to take pictures of those kids who are nervous about sitting on Santa’s lap.

When a scared child steps up to have his picture taken, Grookett ushers them over to the workshop, where, unbeknownst to the child, Santa is hiding behind a screen. As the child busily bangs away with the toy tools, Santa sneaks up behind, allowing Grookett to snap shots of the occupied children.

Grookett’s photo sessions are often a blaze of creativity and energy. Like a magician at work, she seems to have a never–ending supply of tricks to keep the children occupied. Grookett employs everything from jingling bells to candy canes to tickling to make kids giggle and grin. When they finally discover that Santa is behind them, they are often delighted and less afraid.

Santa said he loved seeing the kids’ reactions. One child, he said, threw her arms around him and cried “Santy!” as soon as she saw him.

This is Santa and Grookett’s second year working in Richland Mall. They both said that they recognized parents who, pleased with last year’s pictures, decided to return a second year. Santa will be at Richland Mall until Christmas.