So, You're The Guy I've Been Hearing So Much About..

It was that time of year again, the annual family Christmas party, complete with a visit from the jolly 'ole elf himself. Our Santa does a great job. All of the little ones get corralled in grandma's family room and when Santa gets there, he shakes his bells at the top of the stairs to get their attention. This generally results in mass hysteria. For some, it's delight, but for others, it's pure terror. Since this was Collin's first experience with the big guy, I wasn't sure which would apply. For a week or two beforehand, I'd talked Santa up quite a bit, but still, the only Santa he'd seen was the cartoon version on TV. When we heard the bells shake that night, I was all set to calm and comfort my terrified two year old. (Creepy red eyes and all...)
Turns out I needn't have worried. As soon as Collin realized who was responsible for the bell ringing, he screamed "Santa!" and ran straight for him.

Santa needed a little help with the jingle bells, so he asked for volunteers. Something loud that involved dancing? Collie was all over it!

When it was Collin's turn to sit on Santa's knee, Santa told him that he'd read about Collin in the newspaper. Bet you didn't know the Daily Herald made it all the way to the North Pole, did 'ya? He then went on to explain why he was at our party and why Collin got to sit on his knee. (Thanks Santa!) When he asked him what he wanted for Christmas, Collin looked a little confused and said "Christmas lights?" That was easy, since they'd been up at our house since Thanksgiving... :)

Afterward, Collin wanted to give him five and "knuckles". Yeah, they're tight like that... Not a bad first experience with Santa!