So I guess by ’89, the aesthetic of these costumes dropped to about where they linger today.

The kid knows it too.

The little girl has on cool sneakers.

Nothing is better than a kid crying on Santa’s lap. It’s the ultimate in putting Christmas (and life) in perspective. It takes the sting out of the greed and commercialism, it plays well in showing off the prisonlike quality of a department store or a bank, and it’s an unlearned emotional tradition. Plus, it’s just so funny when the kids crack. I love how so many parents just don’t think about it, they bring the kids over, and it’s supposed to be nice — but a sharp kid is always like — GET ME OUT OF HERE.

I wish kids had the same reaction when watching Elmo. Elmo ruined Sesame Street. I don’t care about the stuff that happened with the puppeteer recently, I’m saying when Elmo was introduced it equaled a LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR on Sesame Street, which is sad.

A perfect pair.  Where’s this movie?

Santa’s got that faraway look, like he’s really looking into the soul of the camera.  The kid is ready to catch wreck in the plates and glasses section of the department store.

I remember seeing no-mustache Santas as a kid and it just getting under my skin.  It seems so alcoholic.

Either the kid is an Oompa Loompa or he’s a Lollypop Guild guy or he’s from Whoville.

No one has the interest level necessary to make this come off like a joyous event.

What is Santa thinking about?

Christmas problems.

He’s dying under there.

Who gets dressed up like this to see Santa?  Frankenstein meets Ally Sheedy from Breakfast Club.

Pretty shakey set-up.

The kid is an obvious future stoner/criminal.

Check the primp Nintendo sweats.

Check out the lady’s toenails.