So a week ago we spent the night in Portland and did some last minute Christmas shopping. While Melinda and the girls were in some store (Forever 21, I think, if it matters) in some mall, I sat on a bench overlooking an open area and discovered this entire “Get Your Picture Taken With Santa Claus” scene.

It made me wonder how many scenes just like this were taking place all over the country at the same time. It’s quite an industry, the mall Santa. This operation appeared to employ 5 people, including the Santa, and they were kept busy, busy, busy.

I don’t have some deep philosophical musing to spring on you. I just found the scene to be an interesting thing to watch and to consider.