You want me to sit in whose lap?

Today was a very productive Saturday. I was able to do a vast majority of my Christmas shopping and managed to wrap the presents I had on hand. It helps that I have a very hard deadline for the Virginia presents. Aunt Lori is coming to get Elizabeth this week and they're going to be my little elf delivery system. I always worry about getting my presents home for the holidays if I don't drive so this is a nice solution.

But as I was out today, I happened to be at the mall about 8:45 AM. Some of the stores were open already but many weren't. And the line for Santa was long! I guess all parents thought the same thing. I parked near one family that the mother had dressed all her children in Christmas pajamas and they each had a stuffed animal. Very cute.

And of course as I shopped I could hear the commotion coming from Santa's station. Including quite a few screams.

I will be the first to admit that I was scared to death of Santa Claus as a little girl. I didn't want to sit in his lap, didn't want to talk to him, didn't want anything to do with him. I just didn't like him - AT ALL. I never dwelled to much on it.

Until a few years ago and then I had an epiphany if you will. Why did I dislike Santa so much? I finally figured it out. Ever since I can remember I was told not to talk to strangers and never open the door to someone you don't know. But then, once a year you're asking me to be okay with some fat man in a red suit come in our house while we're all asleep and do whatever he wants? And we feed him?

I think it makes sense. So scream little children. It just shows that you're listening to your parents.