We lined our shoes up in a row, and hung our coats up on the rack. Then I held my breath, waiting to see how the kids would behave in Santa’s home. One year Kaylee cried the whole time; another year Joshua made a huge fuss that Santa wasn’t real, and then was completely flabbergasted to see him sitting in front of the huge Christmas tree. This year, it was a beautiful, lovely visit with the signing Santa and friends.
Grace was a little unsure, so she watched her brother and sister talk and giggle with Santa until she was ready for a turn.
We spent about forty-five minutes chatting with friends and soaking in the experience. Joshua and Kaylee found a quiet spot on a couch and wrote little notes: “Merry Christmas” and “Santa is a very nice man.”
We’ve never taken the kids to sit with Santa at the mall, (crowds-ugh! fake beards-ugh! long lines-ugh!) but I’m pretty sure this experience can’t be beat. Mrs. Clause always has treats set out on the table and the kids take turns talking with Santa and sitting for a picture. He read “The Night Before Christmas” to a small group of adoring kids, played with a sweet baby, and signed with the deaf dads.
Another year, another family photo with Santa.
There’s no way you’d EVER find me sitting on Dave the Interpreter’s lap, but I couldn’t resist a photo with Santa. It’s magical. He is magical. And I hope these are magical memories for our kids.
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