Santa Indifference

Kids these days don't smile when they visit Santa Claus, according to research performed a few days ago by Ig Nobel Prize winner John W. Trinkaus. Professor Trinkaus observed children at two large shopping malls and a major department store, noting each child's facial _expression as the children visited Santa Claus. Every child was accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What Professor Trinkaus saw surprised and saddened him. More than 95 percent of the children were visibly indifferent or hesitant as they approached Santa. Only one percent of them smiled or showed other signs of happiness. On the other hand, Professor Trinkaus noted, nearly all of the parents were visibly quite happy and excited.

For details of the Santa research, see improbable.com