Something about Christmas makes me crave being surrounded by lots of sparkle and twinkle. I can't wait for our home to be filled with the magic of the season both outside and in. So we have become one of those 1st of December decorating families. So what if you are vacuuming up pine needles 3 times a day by the 15th
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E-lves and Santa too!
We have never gone to see Santa before. Mostly because waiting in a long line somewhere, in order to traumatize our toddler by handing him over to a stranger in a red suit, never seemed like a good idea. But this year, they were doing a tree lighting on post and Santa was just one of several things included in the event. Since we are new here, I thought it could be a great way to maybe meet people. So I dressed my boys in their Christmas sweaters and put some gel in their hair, and off we went (with plenty of time to spare).
Well, as so often happen (at least to me) nothing about the evening went as planned. Arthur ended up having to study. Then my phone died within minutes after arriving on post taking the address and details of the event with it, leaving me to drive back and forth across post in search of a giant Christmas tree. In my defense, I was on the correct street. And I probably would have seen it if I hadn't had to go around a very pesky road block. In retrospect, I have no idea how I missed that the road block was blocking the very place I was looking for? So back and forth I drove, as the minutes ticked by. My frustration and silent self loathing (for always finding a way to get lost) has almost desolved me to tears and defeat, when Jake's sweet voice came from the back seat, "At least you'll know where it is for next time, Mommy." So after a quick stop for directions, we finally made it.
Of course, we didn't make in time. The tree had already been lit, the carols had all been sung, and all that was really left was snacks and Santa. But Jake was completely unfazed. Maybe it was because he had no expectations of what the night "should" have looked like, so he was able to completely commit to the event just as it was. He happily ate his cookie and as he patiently waited in the line for the hot chocolate. As the minutes ticked by and James squirmed in my arms, I tried to convince Jake that I could make him hot chocolate when we got home. But, no, calmly and patiently he waited for his special paper cup of luke warm chocolate.
Of course our wait was really just beginning. We still had a line that could compete with any ride at Disneyland in order to get our moment with Santa. But again Jake was steadfast. He was not leaving until he had seen Santa. In the hour that we waited, inching slowly forward, I wanted to leave a million times, I even tried to convince Jake. But then I would look down at the quiet determination on his sweet little face, and I knew we were going to see this through.
And when the time FINALLY came, it was worth it. His wait was over. Jake's turn had finally come. This was his moment with Santa Clause. He climbed right on to Santa's lap and snuggled in close.
There is no doubt in this little boy's mind that he sat with the real Santa that night.
And while James wasn't quite as enthused,
| Jake is also sure that Santa put those plastic bugs (from the dollar store) on the prize table just for him...because new bugs were exactly what he had asked for when he whispered into Santa's ear. |
