The Santa Hat Game - By Darwin

[Camilla and Darwin]

As the holidays get closer, I always get pumped up for one of my favorite games. The Santa hat game! My mom and dad introduced me to this game the first Christmas I ever had, and I love it, it's really fun. 

 

Here is how it works: My mom and dad try to get a Santa hat perfectly posed on my head, with me facing forward, looking at the camera. I try to avoid this at all possible costs.

 

Because of my incredible skills, they always form a team to make things more fair for them. My mom sits ready at the camera while my dad forces the hat onto my head. My mom also has cheese, attempting to distract me (I'm not going to lie, it does work) while she takes the photo. I then have to wait until my dad moves his hand, then whip my head around as quickly as possible, preventing them from snapping the winning picture. 

 

It is great fun! Don't tell them I said this, but they are both kind of poor sports. I'm not mad when they win... but they are always mad when I do. Human shortcoming I guess. The first time they tried this I was beaten pretty quickly, I just didn't have the experience I do now. Because I know how disappointing it is to be beaten right out of the gate, I've decided to share tips with you fellow doods who may play this game.

 

Since that first game I've had a lot of chances to improve. We do practices every month or so, with bandanas, Halloween costumes, flower headbands, etc. I usually fly through these challenges with flying colors but the real challenge is the actual Santa hat event. This year my mom had a new camera, which she told me was much faster than her old one. I was worried but I accepted the challenge. 

 

My greatest disadvantage was the fact that she could shoot so many photos, so close together. I had a few strategies to combat this.

 

First off, immediately tilt your head downwards. It will at least cover your eyes, if not remove the hat completely.

 

If that isn't working, make an nasty face or stick out your tongue. It will buy you time. I was lucky this time, my ugly faces flustered my mom into putting her camera on the wrong settings.

Make your face look normal, but make sure the hat is covering half of it. This is a wonderful mind game that distracts them with their own anger.

 

At this point it goes one of two ways. First, your humans laugh and congratulate you, giving you the cheese or whatever treat was distracting you. Second, they get really mad, throw a fit, and you have to pose nicely and LET them win. To end the pitiful whining.

 

But you don't have to be happy about it. 

 

So, have you played this game with your humans? Who usually wins? Do you have any tips? Share photos here! - Darwin

[Jennifer and Jack]

 

Darwin and Jack went to the same school.. How to beat the mom's in the Santa hat game... This picture is entirely blurry because my camera stinks and I had to snap so fast my hand was shaking because in a matter of one second, Jack has the hat off or at least sideways or covering his face.

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

OMD how cute is this. ADORABLE!!!!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Darwin, I hear you buddy, we've played that game too. I think you just have to let them think they are winning until they upload the photos and find out differently. Mom says look at Darwin at least he didn't try and eat his hat. Mom says you are just the cutest Santa ever and your pics are great, she did not think the same about mine. Your buddy Quincy.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

LOL, funny! I adore Quincy. I love the 2nd picture in the top row where Quincy looks like he is as big as a full-size Santa! Now, THAT would be something!

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

I absolutely love this collage!!!!! How sweet!!!! I love his facial expression in the bottom right photo!!!

[Carol and Banjo]

Quincy....It looks like you've mastered the game!    You're perfect with or without the hat!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

My mom knows better than to even try that game with me, Darwin! But you are really good at it! I am so proud of you, you are setting a fine example for the Naked Doodles Freedom Club!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I am loving all of the tips and photos!

[Bryce P]

Sounds like fun.

I think I have found my new screensaver.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Darwin, You are so cute and funny! I have thought that you were just the perfect model for your mom, but I see she has to work a little bit when photographing you. I must say, I think every pose is adorable!

[Penny, Comiskey & Beemer]

Dear Darwin, we really enjoyed your story...actually..we can't get Mom off the floor...she is laughing so hard...with all the great photos on this site...she thought we were the only doods that didn't want to cooperate.  Not so....Comiskey loves to have her picture taken ALONE....she thinks she is "all that".  So when Mom puts me in the picture...look at the kind of stuff she does!....She closes her eyes (in 47 of 59 photos) and turns her head (in 52 of 59 photos)....this kind of stuff makes me mad cause then we just have to sit there even longer....as you can tell...I'm not up on the tricks like you are....so thanks bud for the info...this year...believe me...things are gonna be different....sincerely, Your friend, Beemer  p.s. your photos are perfect!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh goodness, Beemer. You do have it rough (or ruff). ;o) Even when Comisky closes her eyes or turns her head you two still make a wonderful picture.