Brunch with Santa

Of course, Christmas traditions couldn't be complete without a visit to Santa Clause. This year we took the kids to a brunch with Santa at the botanical gardens. Lots of yummy food and a personal visit with Santa. This is the first year Ben has sat on Santa's lap. The first couple of years, Ben would stay far away, hold onto my leg and just watch and I didn't push with him. Last year he at least talked with Santa and stood by him. This year I could tell he was a little nervous, but he still went right up and sat with Santa and told him all of his wishes. Emma was a bit timid, but having seen the others go first, she must have thought it was safe enough. Hannah of course is an old pro : )

We don't have a chimney at our house and this has sparked a few questions this year. We explained that Santa must have a magic key that only works for him on Christmas Eve so he can visit all the children without chimney's. Thankfully, a few days later, a package arrived from Grandma Reynolds, it included a beautifull silver key to leave outside our door for Santa. Thanks grandma.

It's a little hard to get around Santa, despite our efforts to keep the focus of Christmas on our Savior. Over the years we've tried to give our children an understanding of the true spirit of Santa Clause. . . the sweetness of his giving to bring joy and without expecting anything in return. I hope it keeps them believing in the magic as the years go on.