I'm kind of new to this Santa thing...as a parent anyway. Since Sydney is now four this year, she is aware of the bearded man and the fact that he comes to the homes of good little boys and girls. I'm excited about Christmas and the feelings that I can recall as a kid. I'm also quite nervous in making sure it all goes right.
One thing, I'm a little overwhelmed with the fact that our children have pretty much been under the impression that Christmas seems to last a month. When we traveled up to Illinois a couple weeks ago, we attended three Christmas events. We talked to them then about having good behavior...because it's Christmas time. My kids have to be wondering - just how long does this evening of Christmas last anyway?! (....cuz that's what I'm thinking.)
Along with this concern, when the actual night happens, will the energy have died? Has the build up been too long? How do I fill in my children - "OK, tonight is Christmas and Santa's coming...so go to bed and when we wake up, we'll see if he visited our house." Maybe that's all I have to say and do...and it'll work...maybe?
An additional factor into this is Sydney is claiming to be "shy" of Santa. I don't think I'm ever going to get a photo of Syd on Santa's lap. She has no interest in a photo op, meeting him or telling him what she wants. So, when the gifts that she has told me she wants show up wrapped and signed "from Santa," is she gonna be like, "how he'd know that?" She did tell me that she colored a picture for Santa and then by that picture, he'd just know what she'd want.
Probably the biggest challenge in the role of playing Santa is making sure you don't shop too early. While "Santa" finished her shopping last week, it was just last night that I was told things that were just on the list a week ago are no longer wanted and a new list has been formed. And now I understand why so many frantic parents stand in lines around the corner on Christmas Eve. Some of the new gifts are manageable and some things are flexible...and then the girls are also going to learn early on about Santa's budget.
So, it should be an interesting year. I don't know why I'm so nervous. I guess I just want to make sure it all goes smoothly. There's so much for Santa to remember. No wonder he came up with that special list!

