So today we were at the mall which was open early on a Sunday because of Christmas. We took the boys to the play area while each of us took turns window shopping. The mall was not crowded at all and it was a fun break from the super cold weather.
As we were walking around we ran into Santa Land. You know the scene. A huge house with fake snow and a white picket fence line divider. Braden was excited to see Santa. There was no line and I started to feel like a horrible parent for never taking my child to see Santa. So I went and asked the lady how much it cost to just "talk" to Santa - without buying a picture. She told me that there was a problem with the camera so if we wanted to "slip in" this would be the perfect time.
We walked up to Santa (who, by the way - looked liked the real deal) and Braden hopped up in his lap. "Hi" Santa said very quietly "What's your name?" "Braden S" Braden replied. "What would you like for Christmas?" he asked quietly "A Green Scooter" Braden mumbled.
"He's just a bit shy" I explained (which I now understand to be a ridiculous statement...DUH of course he's shy) "He's not shy, he's frightened" explained the Santa. And before I could protest, the mall Santa launched into a quite lengthy speech about how it's good to be afraid because it protects us, and listen to your Mom and Dad, and blah blah blah blah....
I tried to change the subject by mentioning the camera being broken. I said "Maybe the Elves will come and fix it" "What?! We've got a call into the IT guy...it should be fixed soon." I gave Santa this look like "come on, you know... the elves! (wink wink)" It went right over his head. Come on buddy - let's stay in character. But no. By this time I was so disappointed. No "HO HO HO" no "Merry Christmas".... no shtick... NOTHING! It felt like such a waste.... Where was the showmanship?
Whatever... I walked away from the whole interaction with a stronger resolve NOT to get sucked into the ridiculous hype.
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