For as long as I can remember some lucky male member of my family has had to dress up as Santa on Christmas Eve. The suit is probably older than my father, as is the tradition. It has been my turn for more than a few years now but I have somehow managed to escape embarassment. More comfortable blending into the background; I would rather be behind a camera than in front of it.

I broke into a cold sweat when my grandmother pointed at me and said 'Its your turn to wear the suit!'

Maybe in your family you can say no to your grandmother. Around here -- Nan gets what Nan wants. She deserves nothing but the best.

So imagine my relief when she came back to the table a few mintues later to release me. 'I'm going to give you a break this year. Your brother will be better at it so you can do next year.' she said pointing at my younger brother. 'uhhh...Sounds like a good idea to me.' I said, hoping he wouldn't be able to talk his way out of it. (Anyone who knows us knows I do fill out the suit better.)

'Alright, I'll do it.' He said with a shrug. He got up from the table and strolled into the backroom of the hall we were in to suit up.

For the next thiry minutes had about 50 of our reletives laughing and clapping in a way that I know I could not have mustered as I stayed in the back blending into the background. He made the mistake of being too good. He will be asked again and again to be Santa but the born showman loves the spotlight.

I got this shot just as he took off his beard. Under the suit he was drenched in sweat. I thanked him for doing it trying to tell him just how good he did when he reminded me that he didn't do it for me.

Nan gets what Nan wants.

I hope that everyone who happens by had a great holiday. Whichever holiday they may celebrate. I know I did.