Scary Santa

Isn't it amazing how little ones aren't fearful (usually) of other children? We went to both of AJ's grandparents for Thanksgiving and AJ was fast friends with all of his cousins. He watched them so closely. They were wrestling and sitting on the dogs and running down the stairs. He was enthralled.... but with his aunts and uncles... not so much. And Santa, oh my tears of terror. Yesterday I took all the kids to get pictures at a nearby orchard. The setting is very cool. They have a sleigh and reindeer and pine trees and of course Santa. Well, my 15 and 12 year old boys were not that ecstatic about Santa either, but for other reasons I'm sure you can guess. They are waaaaay to old for Good Old Saint Nick. I put Jared (15) behind the sleigh, Jake (12) and Danielle (9) in the sleigh and AJ (2) on Jake's lap. Since AJ was already crying at this point, Santa thought he would be clever and stand behind the sleigh with big Jared. ONe look at that red suit, white beard and black boots and AJ was fit to be tied. He obviously has never seen Santa or heard of him so he's genuinely scared. AJ doesn't know that Jolly Santa is nice and spreads Christmas cheer. AJ was definitely not cheered. So, Santa, being the wise man he is stepped outside and we got AJ to quit crying for about 30 seconds and the photographer snapped the picture. I must say that the older children were warned by their father before we left not to make faces or cross eyes. They were to be ready with a plastered on smile at any moment for the click of the camera. Aron knew how much I wanted these pictures to turn out. They are going to all of our friends and family announcing our new little one. The big kids did rise to the occasion, donning their matching outfits, and obeying the photographer and even smiling. Yippee. They will definitely be on Santa's good list this year. But, walking out the door my 12 year says " do we have to do this next year?" I, of course, use the age old parent answer, "we'll see!?" He knows deep down that probably means "yes". I don't know, maybe I am asking too much making next year's 16 and 13 year olds sit with Santa. Then again, I still believe!!