I was a young, poor single mom many years ago... and I would always take my kids to see Santa in November. 2 reasons : Santa would tell me what they wanted, and I had 6ish weeks to come up with something close, and if I could not afford it... I had 6wks to change their minds on what they wanted
Santa is free in Canada too, but if you want a picture it would cost $3 to $10.