While sweet ol' Santa Claus means well, just about every family can share stories of photo sessions where Saint Nick scared the diapers off their precious keiki.

But ask these parents and they'll probably tell you: Those snapshots of their crying cuties on the jolly one's lap quickly become family favorites that are laughed about years later.

"I think that everyone has a 'crying (with) Santa' picture," said Honolulu resident Annie Yokoyama, who sent us a photo of her wailing wee one.

Seems it's true. We asked readers to send us their favorite photos, and we received them in droves.

In honor of every Santa who smiled through ear-piercing screams, and for every child who endured the sheer terror of that wild white beard, we'd like to share some of our picture-perfect picks. Enjoy!

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.