Santa Claus is Coming...

Or maybe not.

For many years, we have attended the United Way's annual Poinsett Society Christmas Brunch. Great food, Santa Claus, and family pictures by a gigantic tree. Max began talking about seeing Santa in about October. We finally helped him write a letter to Santa in advance of the brunch.

He was very excited and wanted to sit at the table closest to the Christmas tree and Santa's chair. We convinced him to take a picture with his sister before the Big Guy arrived. The Max could not hardly be bothered with such trivial requests before Santa heard his list!

Then Daddy heard a nasty rumor that Santa was not going to be able to come. What to do? Max was bouncing in his seat with excitement while waiting on Santa, Sarah was ready for a nap, and Mommy and Daddy did not want to ruin the first Christmas activity of the year. Some quick thinking and a phone call resulted in the plan to take the kids to the Poinsett Club, where there was another Christmas breakfast with Santa. We told Max that Santa had gotten stuck at the Club because there were so many kids who wanted to see him. After dashing over, Max waited very patiently for his turn. A little later than anticipated, but at last....

Santa!

Max has been planning for months to ask for marbles.

It was probably Santa's first request for marbles since 1953.

Considering it was way past time for her nap, Sarah surprised us with her calm response to Santa. She was very interested in his beard and nose (of course).

This is a true Santa. He has a real white beard and long hair. I wonder what he does the other 11 months of the year? He was also the very first Santa Max met years ago. An added bonus: now Max and Sarah have the same Santa in their "first" pictures (or they will when I pick up the actual pictures from the photographer :) Max was thrilled, and the experience turned out great even if it did not go according to plan!