Two Weeks Prior:
- Watched Polar Express
- Had the "Is Santa real" talk. We told her, some people believe in Santa and let her decide either way.
One Week Prior:
- Talked with Katelyn about what she wants for Christmas
- Told her, she needed to tell Santa what she wants
- She became "scared/obsessed" with Santa--pointing him out, where ever she caught sight of him. Each time reminding us, she was going to tell him she wanted a baby doll.
Day Before:
- Prepped her for what to expect
- Asked her to sit on his lap and "help" Ashleigh not to be afraid. She said "Ashleigh is a big girl now, she is not scared. I don't need to sit on his lap"
- Decided she'd stand next to him, at a safe distance
THE Day:
We were already dressed for our Christmas pictures, so we thought we'd check out the Santa line. It happened to be a 15 minute wait, compared to 3 hours last year, so we waited. She asked if she could see what the other kids were doing when they sat on his lap. I took her over to the white gate and Santa's chair. I watched her as she watched Santa interact with the kids. I saw a sort of magic in her eyes. It made me a little emotional. I then realized, the look was probably more of an inquisitive look, rather than magic. Just as another kid stepped up to his lap, I saw her look change to fear. I was about to comfort her with these words "See, he's not scared of Santa". Just then, Santa got a square kick, right in the knee. This boy, in fact, was scared of Santa. Okay, how would I explain this one. I told her, some kids are scared, but he's not scary, he's silly. She looked at me with her "oh please mom" look. We then stayed and watched 3 or 4 other kids. Thankfully, most of them were not scared. I looked up and Andrew and Ashleigh were almost to the front of the line. Katelyn and I decided to head over to the line...we were next.
The Walk Over:
It was our turn! I rehearsed once more, before Santa's helper called us over. Tell him what you want. She started to tremble from head to toe (literally). She began screaming and kicking, like the other little boy we watched. She repeated this phrase "I changed my mind. I don't need a baby doll anymore. I just don't need one. I don't need to see Santa. Please, I don't even like a doll" I quickly calmed her with one little phrase (okay, okay a bribe). "If you go and see Santa, and help Ashleigh, we'll get ice cream after". Just then, all her tense muscles loosened and she walked over. Don't get excited though, she didn't sit ON his lap, she sat by the purple gift box. Purple is her favorite color, so this worked out perfect. I told her to tell him what she wanted for Christmas. The usually quiet Katelyn, was overcome by emotion and fear, and SCREAMED "A BABY DOLL". Santa said, "Okay, okay, I'll get you one". She then told him a second time. Santa's helper snatched this picture (see below), and Santa reached in his basket and gave Katelyn a bell (similar to the bell on Polar Express, given to the little boy by Santa). She could not believe it. Santa gave her a bell.
What was Ashleigh doing this whole time you ask? She was touching Santa's beard, and gazing at him in amazement and magic.....or confusion, whichever way you'd like to see it.
We're still not sure if Katelyn thinks this whole Santa thing is a sham or for real, but that's for her to decide. Nevertheless, the bell Santa gave her is hanging on her bed post where it will stay for now.
Merry Christmas!
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