I Don’t Want to See Santa

In August, Aunt D and the California cousins came for a visit. When it was time for them to leave, I encouraged Tiny and Buba to give them hugs and kisses, telling them that we wouldn’t be seeing them again until Christmastime. Tiny’s response? “I don’t want to see Santa Claus.” Hmmm… and I didn’t think she’d remember her not so happy visit with Santa at 20 months old. Apparently, she did. Or, at least, she knew enough to know that she was not excited about a repeat visit this year.

For the next few months, Tiny continued to voice her position about not seeing Santa Claus every so often- like whenever I’d talk about going to the mall, whenever we’d talk about the California cousins, and, of course, whenever the subject of Christmas came up. Buba, however, was on the fence. Sometimes he’d side with Tiny about not wanting to see Santa, but sometimes he’d shout that he did want to see Santa Claus, as though it would be a huge injustice for me not to take him. What to do? What to do?

As a general rule, I do my best not to step even one foot into the mall after Thanksgiving. We’re not able to do much gift giving for Christmas, so it’s not really that hard to do. But on Monday, it occurred to me that Thanksgiving is next Thursday. If we were going to attempt to see Santa, we’d have to do it soon. I checked our calendar, and we we’re pretty solidly booked. The only chance we’d have to go before the holiday rush would be this morning after storytime.

I didn’t want to have to discuss it for days, but I also didn’t want Tiny be totally surprised when we strolled up to Santa’s chair. So, last night, I let Buba and Tiny help pick out what they’d want to wear to see Santa Claus and told them we’d be going to visit him tomorrow. Tiny, of course, reiterated her dislike of the whole idea, but seemed to enjoy choosing a holiday shirt and a new pair of black Mary Jane shoes with a bow on the toes. As they chose their outfits, I told both kids that they did not have to go up and see Santa if they really didn’t want to. That it would be just fine for them to watch Santa talking with other boys and girls. That they could just wave from a distance, if they’d like. And that under no circumstances would they be forced to sit on Santa’s lap and take a picture. This information seemed to sit well with both of them.

And then the big morning came. They both seemed totally calm as we approached the big guy’s Christmas throne. I parked the stroller out in front of Santa, and for a few minutes, Tiny and Buba watched a few other kids take their turns with Santa. Thankfully, none of them were crying. A woman dressed as an elf approached us and asked if they’d like to go up and see Santa. Tiny sank back into her seat. I told the woman we weren’t sure yet, and she was kind enough to leave us alone. Then I reached into my purse, and pulled out Santa Bear and Reindeer. Tiny got all wiggly with excitement and reached out for Santa Bear. “Maybe Santa would like to see them,” I suggested. And that was enough for them to both demand to be released from the stroller.

They both walked confidently up the ramp towards Santa and the elves. Buba even marched right up and let Reindeer give Santa a kiss on the cheek. Tiny had to be encouraged, but quickly went without any fuss or tears to take her place next to Buba for a photo with Santa Claus.

Honestly, I was pretty shocked by how well the whole thing went down. I was fully prepared to just stroll right past the Santa display, stopping just briefly to wave hello from a safe distance. And I certainly didn’t think we’d get a photo this year. Especially not one with Tiny and Buba smiling sweetly.

And now Tiny is all about wanting to see Santa Claus. She’s already asked, “Where did he go?” and proclaimed “I’m gonna see Santa again!” I’m hoping this is what she’ll remember when it’s time to see Santa Claus again next year.