METAIRIE, La. — It was Christmas 31 years ago, that Bobby, the firefighter, brought his six-month-old to Lakeside Shopping Center to sit on Santa's lap. He remembered his dad taking him to Santa.
“We used to go to D.H. Holmes on Canal Street and do the Santa thing down there, you now, look at the window and Mr. Bingle and all that,” said Bobby Pontiff, 70, of Metairie.
And for 31 years, the new tradition with his son never stopped.
“I think it's just the bond, me and my dad have. And I've grown up having him my whole life, and I cherish it,” said Bryen Pontiff, 30.
Then there's middle school.
That was tough, the 12- to 13-year-old. I almost had to trick him into coming. So, he thinks we're coming here to shop, and we're coming here to take the Santa Claus picture,” remembers Bobby Pontiff.
“I was kind of scared, or kind of, to be seen by other people doing it, and kind of embarrassed a little bit, but now I embrace it now. I say I'm so glad I did it now,” said Bryen Pontiff.
It always has to be at Lakeside. Yes, even after Hurricane Katrina. And yes, even during COVID when Santa had to social distance. That irreplaceable book is Bobby Pontiff's treasure.
“The book comes with me. If we evacuate, if we leave somewhere, the book comes with me. That book stays with me,” insisted Bobby Pontiff.
The two men can no longer fit in the train. Bryen Pontiff is always the only adult child in line.
“In this day and age, it's great to just showcase, you know, what a father and son bond can be,” said Bryen Pontiff.
And no matter how grown up you are, you are still your parent's baby.
“Oh, it means everything to me. That's my only child, and I was an only child, no brothers and sisters. You know, to have that experience with him, I was going to give him the best Christmas I could, no matter what,” said Bobby Pontiff.
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