Santa Visit 2012

Holy Smokes! What a difference a year makes. Riley and I discussed and rehearsed what she would tell Santa all day. I hoped she's be brave and speak at all. She did awesome! We went to see the big man at a library event. They signed the kids in, entered them in a raffle, pinned a reindeer to their shirts and gave them reindeer food to bring home. For anyone unfamiliar it's oats with glitter mixed in so Santa's team can see them sparkle in the moonlight and munch on them while Santa makes his delivery.

They had craft stations all around the children's area. Paper ornaments, Santa and elf figures and angels.

Before we left I re-read the flyer for the event and got all excited because it said "don't miss our reindeer." Riley and I have been watching Reindeer Cam Santa feeds them in the afternoon and evening everyday. Silly me! A live reindeer at the library? What was I thinking. This was their reindeer:

At first Riley was hesitant and I assured her she didn't have to go see Rudolph. As soon I said so she hopped down and said "let's go Mom!" Then she told me "I really met Rudolph." Soon after the big man arrived. We kept crafting for a bit so the first wave could finish up. Then we went in and waited our turn. Both kids seemed excited, but nervous so I was glad they got to watch for a bit before their turn.

Riley hesitated again. I took her hand and walked her up and she considered him for a minute. After he gave her a candy cane they were friends. I prompted her and she said "I would like princess stuff and fairy stuff. Merry Christmas Santa."

Then it was big brother's turn. He was slightly concerned about which list he was on, but mostly he felt a lot of pressure to pick something. I told him to relax and keep it general, Santa always knows.

After a highly successful visit with Santa we scampered off to the refreshment table.

"It was the REAL Santa Mommy. He gave me this!" (holds up candy cane). Enjoying refreshments was unquestionably a highlight of the kids evening. Christmas cookies and punch! After the treats they drew names for the raffle and (due to quite a few folks leaving before the drawing) Isaac won a Santa hat. It fits perfectly.