Stumped Santa

While in Florida last weekend, we grabbed a quick lunch at a restaurant inside a mall. Lo and behold, Santa was already set up at the mall, and there was no line. After initially declining Lauren's pleas to visit with Santa (it was only mid-November, after all), I thought about it a little more, particularly the fact that there was no line, and decided, why not? If we're going to have to shell out $20 for a photo, might as well do it in Florida as opposed to California. Then I could check another annual tradition off of our very busy holiday list, especially since Hanukkah starts December 1st this year.

Lauren and Santa were engaged in deep conversation for quite some time. And I must admit, from afar, it appeared that Santa was a little perplexed and at a loss for words. It usually only takes a minute for her to ask for a Barbie or other toy. What in the world could she be saying to him? All sorts of inappropriate scenarios ran through my mind based on recent things I had heard coming out of her mouth (most involving bathroom humor).



Curious as all get out, after the photo op, I nonchalantly asked her what they had been discussing. "Coming to our house", she said. "What about coming to our house?", I hesitantly inquired. "I told him", she announced, "that he shouldn't see any more children and better get on his sleigh right now if he's going to make it to California for Hanukkah." Ah, perplexed expression explained. Our little planner.