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Why are kids scared of Santa?

Lots of parents have been there: kid goes to take picture with Santa, kid screams and cries. But what is the reason for the Santa scaries? Licensed therapist Bruce Conn has the answer.

At Bass Pro Shops in Macon, sounds of sleigh bells fill the air, and so does the sound of cameras flashing.

"One, two, three, smile!" Photographer Joshua Inman exclaimed.

Some come running down the runway to get a chance to see Santa. Others, not so much.

Amanda Newsome came with her grandson who wasn't exactly thrilled to sit on the big man's lap.

"He was a little scared this year. Last year, he loved it," Newsome said.

Joshua Inman takes photos for Santa and says he sees a pretty even number of smiles and tears.

"It's about half and half. Half will run down and the other half will be a little shy at first," Inman said.

It's a 50-50 shot every parent takes when they bring them in their Christmas best to see St. Nick, but what is the cause for the tears?

Licensed family and marriage therapist at Coliseum Medical Center Bruce Conn says there's a few reasons.

"He's a powerful person, so that part can be scary, and also, he's a stranger, they don't know him." Conn continued, "Kids get in a funny space with their magical thinking when they sort of go from magic to real, so that's scary."

Conn says it can start as early as 9 months to a year when children can recognize if someone is their parent or not.

But he says if you don't get the full bright smile in your photo this year, not to worry.

"It'll change -- this year, you may not get the picture, but next year, you'll get the picture," Conn said.

When it comes to helping your child get over this fear, Conn says don't force anything on your child, as their fear is real.

He advises letting your child stand back and watch other kids enjoy meeting Santa to understand he is not there to scare them.

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