Like those crazy clowns, Santa doesn't always make kids light up with smiles. Just about every family has a tale of a Santa session that caused upside-down smiles on babies placed on the jolly fat man's lap. But get past the initial embarrassment, and the scene makes for a giggle.

In the spirit of David Sedaris' "Santaland Diaries" (opening tomorrow at Manoa Valley Theatre), and in honor of every long-suffering Santa who kept the "Ho ho hos" coming in between the "Wah-ahs," we're looking to share photos of the time St. Nick bewildered your baby.

E-mail pics to zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com, with "Santa" in the subject line. Include name(s) and contact information, and please name the photographer. Submissions must be high-resolution jpegs, with a minimum 300 dpi.

Mail pics to Island Life/Santa, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 18.

WRITE US

GIVE PROPS TO YOUR HERO

In Hawai'i, neighbors, co-workers, even strangers enthusiastically lend a hand, share a smile and make a difference in the lives of others every day.

Life wouldn't be the same without these "Island heroes" who give to the less fortunate and work selflessly so that others in need will have a better life. We'd like to hear about these men and women for an upcoming feature. Send your nomination to hawaii@honoluluadvertiser.com, or to City Desk, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. The deadline is Dec. 15.

FINAL WORD

"There's no such thing anymore as a famous novelist."

Gore Vidal | in Time