Santa shimmied down the chimney of our local Westfield Mall on November 15th.
The kids walked right on up and had a seat on his lap on November 17th.
No line.
No waiting.
Holden had all the time in the world to talk Santa’s ear off about Skylanders Swap Force Starter Pack.
Elliott simply requested an iPad Mini.
We were in and out again this year.
I am happy. I have my 5×7 ready to be framed and perched on our holiday mantel.
This is the 9th year in a row that we’ve gone to a Westfield Mall for our Santa picture. I am all about tradition when it comes to this sort of thing. Each year I display all our Santa pics from 2005 to present. I love seeing how much they change from year to year.
We were fortunate and never had any tears when it came to Mr. Claus. Elliott & Holden were always eager to have a seat on Santa’s lap and whisper their wishes into his ear.
I must add, however, that Elliott and I went around and around about her wearing this darling ROXY plaid flannel for the pic. She had other ideas which involved Justice shorts and a tank top {her argument was that they were purple and matched Holden’s outfit}. After explaining to her {OK….bribing} that I wanted them to look festive and “winter-ish” she reconsidered and ditched the Justice idea.
Past Santa Adventures: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
*****
I am happy to say that I have a good handle on Christmas this year. Several little gifts purchased and wrapped. Classroom goodies in the works. Annual family ornaments purchased.
After Thanksgiving we have exactly 26 days until family arrives, feasts are prepared, Christmas Eve Mass is attended, gifts are scattered under the tree and egg nog is sipped in anticipation of Santa’s arrival.
For as much running around and stress that I am prepared for, I am also looking forward to having a seat, putting my feet up, staring at our old-fashioned trimmed tree and listening to Christmas carols old & new.
But not before giving thanks with a turkey and all the fixins a week from Thursday…
Off to make my shopping list!
