Santaphobia

Last night at the spur of the moment we decided....let's go visit Santa at the mall. I wanted some photos for Christmas cards as my Sears ones didn't stretch as far as I'd hoped. So we got the girls dressed and headed out. There was excitement in the back seat as the two discussed what exactly they would say to Santa. Maddie has pretty much figured out that Santa isn't real...we've never lied to her about his existence and because we've focused more on Baby Jesus, it's not been a huge deal. Anyway, she still loves seeing him and asking for presents! Chelsea, on the other hand, is not sure about the whole Santa thing. She's never asked if he is real, so I think she believes. When we got to the mall, the anticipation heightened as we saw there was only two or three people in line. I paid for my photo package and there we waited. As we watched and stood, I felt something at the back of my legs. Looking behind me I realized Chelsea was hiding. "Mom, can I tell you a secret?" she asks, motioning me to bend over. So I leaned down and she whispers, "Actually, I'll wait till Christmas to talk with Santa." Well, NO, I think, I've already paid and you're going to pose for this picture. I looked at Mike and then the bribing stared...."Chelsea, we'll get an ice cream right after.....Chelsea, don't you want to tell Santa what you want?....Chelsea, look, that little baby loves Santa....Chelsea, uh....don't look now, that little girl is screaming to get off his knee! All of a sudden, I realized the ridiculous nature of the situation. Why would I force my child to sit with Santa? For what purpose? So, as Chelsea clung to my neck and Madeleine happily sat on Santa's knee, chatting away, we approached the "throne" and Chelsea, still clinging, quietly asked Santa for a My Little Pony. We have a lovely photo of Madeleine sitting with Santa to commemorate our visit. I also need to think fast because I thought Chelsea wanted a Fairytopia Barbie from Santa!!