What Exactly is Your Persuasion on the Big Man?

I was absolutely correct about last year being my last chance for a picture of both kids with Santa. I was prepared so I didn't even flinch when Isaac opted out this year. I know the magic isn't completely gone for him, but it's not cool to take Santa photos when you're a twelve year old boy. He still fretted about being on the nice list when his yearly video message from Santa arrived. He was still up for almost all our Christmas traditions. The boy lives for Norad tracks Santa.

Last year Isaac started gently questioning Santa. I told him he was free to believe whatever he chooses, but I reminded him it sure is a lot more fun when you believe. I also told him that no matter what he believes he has no right to take it away from anyone else. That was all I needed to say, he never questioned me again. I've always told my kids that anyone who dresses as Santa is doing it to not to trick anyone, but to make children happy. Santa's busy and a lot of kind people give him a hand during the holidays.

The silver lining is that Santa pictures are now a girls' tradition. There'a nothing like quality time with my little girl. She wrote her own list this year. Santa read all four items with a huge grin on his face. She was a bit star struck, but they had a lovely visit. It's nice now that she can remember a few Christmases. I look forward to all the Christmas magic ahead of her.

C is for Christmas Cookie!

I had grand plans for trying a new kind of cookie for Santa this year, but Riley ended up with a fever Thursday night. Her sudden illness threw a wrench in things and caused her to miss her class cookie decorating party. So we did regular sugar cookies after all. On Friday night we made the dough and she cut the shapes. Today we "decorated our heads off!"

Isaac decorated cookies at the same time at his grandparents' house with his cousin. They made gingerbread ninjas! I think Santa will be pleased.

A Little Merriment

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Past & Present

Visit With the Big Man

I took the kids to see Santa before Thanksgiving this year. Before you become disgusted with how corporate American has brainwashed me and my priorities are all out of whack, let me explain. Last year's Santa visit...well, it left a lot to be desired. We didn't get any of our usual opportunities and the next thing you know we were running out of time. The kids had a good time, but Santa didn't look great or have any lap to speak of. The pictures weren't anything special. It wouldn't have been such a big deal, but Isaac is right on the cusp of not wanting to participate and it was really important to me to get what may be the last picture of the kids together with Santa. I needed a good one in case this was it. So, I knew I couldn't wait this year. I got a half off photos coupon that expired on Thanksgiving. I decided to bring the kids down first thing the day Santa arrived.

I got them fed and dressed in an approximation of their Christmas clothes and headed to the mall. We were first in line. We watched Santa ride in on the train. As he passed he smiled warmly and took Riley's hand long enough to squeeze it. She was star struck. We had discussed that this visit was early and it was best to leave their requests general. Isaac struggled with this idea, but in the end politely requested "more Legos." Riley sweetly requested "princess dolls." The kids had a nice visit.

Be careful with your cynicism friends we are all believers here. It is the last magic of childhood I'm trying to preserve for him and the first memories of the magic for her.

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.

The Big Man

Love at first sight, Christmas 2009 3months old.

Two screaming toddlers and a partridge in a pear tree... Christmas 2010 1yr and 3months old.

Thoughtful hugs for Mr. C. This was Riley's first of two Santa visits this year (2yrs and 3months old). This gorgeous photo was taken at Enchanted Forrest Photography. It was a visit with Santa with all her buddies in their jammies. Riley wasn't her normal smiley self, but she was super sweet and left saying "Yeah, Santa's a nice guy. Yeah."

Right to business. We let Isaac go first so she could watch and I talked her through the procedure a few times before we left. She got right up on his knee and whispered "I want a dolly, a big girl bike and a (s)quid". He gave her a candy cane and she gave him a big hug.

I'm pretty sure the look in this picture is because Mommy's picture taking is interrupting her Santa business. What a big girl!