Santa Claus attended the same party we did on Saturday.
We had been gearing up all week to meet him. Because I didn't know how the girls would react, we looked at a book everyday that had a picture of Mr. Kringle in it and I always said, "Nice Santa" accompanied by a "Ho Ho Ho". This led to them petting Santa on the page each time we opened the book, and Anni saying "Heh Heh Heh." So, I thought we were all set.
Unfortunately, I underestimated the clout that Santa has.
When it was announced: "Santa is almost here!" at the party, 50 children went screaming wild to form a line to meet him. Little girls were crying with joy at the very thought. Nay, sobbing or weeping might be a better description. Several little ones were writhing in the grip of a parent to break from line and wait by his chair.
When the Jolly Fellow finally did arrive, an awed silence came over the party. This was promptly broken when the third boy in line announced: "That's NOT Santa! He isn't real!" Oh, the trickery! The misery! Would Santa play such a cruel joke, if he even exists at all? Those once crying with joy were now in hysterical confusion. That little boy was placed directly on the Naughty List by all in attendance. (Boo! Hiss! Coal lumps!)
The girls and I were hanging out toward the end of the line. When we made it up to sit on Santa's lap... I got nothing. No reaction. I could have been sitting them on my own lap, for all they cared. The water bottle and ball in their clutches were cooler than he was. So, I guess we're not scared of Santa, but we might not ever believe in him after today, either. Ho hum.
