Catherine and I took deep breaths, swallowed hard and made a commando raid on the mall today, getting in and out before all the crazy people took over. Somehow we managed it with some of our sanity intact.
Even though he’s been holding office hours since before Thanksgiving, Santa remains a big attraction. The line of kids waiting to tell him their most fervent wishes snaked around center court.
One little miss we saw was READY — red holiday dress and tights, green sparkly reindeer antlers on her headband.
Another little one, not so much.
Mom was trying, but this tyke wasn’t having it. Her pigtails bobbed and weaved as she tried to make a run for it. “Goodbye,” she cried, big tears leaving tracks down her chubby cheeks. “Time for goodbye.”
Once she began lurching for the stroller, Mom packed it in, but not before the little one made her wishes clear one last time: “Time for GOODBYE!”
About that time, Catherine and I were feeling exactly like that kid. We made our own run for it not long after.
Driving home, I remembered Catherine’s first and only visit to Santa, at age 8 months. As you can see from her expression below, it wasn’t an especially cheerful visit.
Funniest part? Now that’s the expression you’ll find on MY face most days …
Sixteen years ago, we took Catherine to visit this very anemic Santa at the mall. The shutter caught her expression just before the tears started. …
Pushing on a Rope 
I love the Santa picture with Catherine! It’s really sweet. I loved your words and I can imagine the little girl trying to get away as well as the little girl all dolled up. Thank you for sharing this – I really enjoyed it. Reia from http://www.southcountrysides.blogspot.com
Posted by reiadm | December 8, 2012, 6:20 pmI’ve avoided the mall so far, but have to make a trip. I think I’ll do it Monday night after 8. The mall quiets down a lot about then — or it used to when I had to pick up Jon at work at 10:30. I need some gift cards for grandkids. They’re at the age that buying them clothing is difficult for taste/distance/differing styles.
For anyone with littles — my DH will be Santa at the Danbury Train Museum on Saturday the 15th. He’s really good at it — real beard and belly. And no one’s ever referred to him as anemic. He’s quiet and gentle, and allows the kids to come to him when they’re ready — or not. If parents try to force the kids, he “suggests” they stop; one of our kids was traumatized by a HO-HO-HO Santa. Bill just quietly talks to the kids, admiring their outfit, or toy, until they relax. So, if you’re looking for a Santa visit without long lines, come on over and ride the train and see Santa.
Commercial over. This is a volunteer gig for him — he loves doing it. If you need a Santa, let me know!
Posted by Karen Waggoner | December 8, 2012, 3:11 pmLove this! Bet the kids have a great time with him! And love that your description includes real beard AND belly!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | December 8, 2012, 3:46 pmWhat a wonderful Santa! I bet the kids DO love him!
Posted by reiadm | December 8, 2012, 6:21 pm