Today was the big day. Big. Huge. Monstrous. It has been known for the last few days in our household that after school on Friday we would see Santa at the mall. I was actually surprised by this notion because my daughter and son were previously deathly afraid of Santa but this year was different. My Jaden came to me and said she had to see Santa so she could read her list to him before the “real” Santa arrived. I found it humorous that she knew he wasn’t the real Santa and had to see him none-the-less.
We arrived at Yorktown Center to find the parking lot full and the mall even more crowded. There were people meandering, rushing, eating, strollers cruising all for the holiday season and it made me nervous to be quite honest. I forgot the stroller for Chunk and I was beginning to worry about the kids wandering off and being kidnapped. Yes, call me paranoid, but I can count on one hand the people I trust with my children and a mall full of strangers doesn’t make me feel safe.
Anyhow, we made it into the mall and through lunch heart-attack-free. We walked towards the Santa shop to see a Santa that was perfect. The line wasn’t too long and I found it endearing that Jaden was holding her sequined covered Santa’s list. Oh, yes, sequins. Jaden never does anything that’s not overly feminine, soft or shiny and I’ve realized I have a tomboy who loves the fancy doo-dads.
As we approached the jolly fat man I could hear the screams and loud wailing from children sitting on Santa’s lap. Faces red with tears streaming down their cheeks all so mom and dad could have a picture of their kids being scared to death by a stranger in a ridiculous red suit and hat. Nothing short of my regular character I began to laugh out loud. I couldn’t help myself. The my kids looked at me like I was a lunatic and all I could think was “no more than anyone else here.”
Soon Jaden’s turn came and she climbed up on Santa’s lap. Slowly she handed him the list and talked to him with a smile on her face. Chunk, who would not take a photo with Santa, was standing on the sidelines waving and saying “Hi Santa.”
Jaden’s time was up and then she did something that made me so proud. It was a simple act but touched me so much so “my tear gotta wet” as my mom would say. As she stood up Santa handed her a small coloring book for being such a good girl. Her reply was “Thank you. Can I please have one for my brother. That’s him,” pointing to Chunk from the distance. Suddenly, the craziness of the mall and Christmas didn’t seem so crazy anymore.
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thought it was the right thing at the time and dwell on it. That too, is a waste. Those days are gone and my husband and I are trying to pave the way with a new fitness site, writing and competing.
Magena Fawn are discussing. 
The nose knows!! LOL Merry Christmas my friend!