Fake Santa Fun

Today I took my kids to visit Fake Santa at my work.  Mark and I are those kind of cruel parents who tell their kids that Santa doesn't exist and then go on to tell them the history of the St. Nicholas.  Yes, yes, go ahead and tell me about how mean and awful we are.  When we give our kids Christmas presents, we tell them they are from us.  And instead of threatening our kids with "Santa is not going to bring you any presents if you are naughty," we say, "I am not going to buy you anything if you hit your sister.  I'm going to buy everyone else something you would like and make you watch them open it." (this is 73% false)

So why, you ask, did I take my kids to visit Fake Santa today?  Because of the simple fact that they were giving away free presents.  I put aside my values for a Color Wonder lap desk and a Rummikub game.  

As usual, we did extremely well.  I had to dress my kids for a successful Fake Santa visit; everyone knows Fake Santas love vests (some of you may recall Eli's denim vest from our "Vestive Christmas card from last year).  I brought Grandma along with me to help wrangle my misbehaving children.  

Before we left home, I had to give Eli a stern lecture about not spoiling the fun for the other kids who believe in Santa.  He had many questions but finally agreed to obey.  As we waited in line, Eli grew a bit anxious.  He kept saying things like, "We're going to be last!  I know we are going to have to be last."  I kept giving him the Mom Eyes and hoping he kept the lid on it.  

When we were third from the front, he announced, "Dad told me to tell Fake Santa that he smells like beef and cheese!"  (Eli and Mark have been watching Elf lately)  Grandma and I had to quickly hush him and tell him he would do no such thing.  I didn't turn around to see what the parents of the girl in the pretty dress thought of this.  All the while, Marina was eyeing Fake Santa with suspicious eyes.

Not surprisingly, when our turn came.  Marina wanted nothing to do with Fake Santa.  We had to insert Grandma into the scene to appease her.  

Here is some photo chronicle of our time:  

This could be my favorite picture of all time.  Marina is clearly showing her displeasure.  Fake Santa is resting his hand on Eli's shoulder, while he is watching the man out of the corner of his eye and smiling like he is in pain.  

The kids about to knock down the cardboard facade.

"Hey, I said look at Mommy!"

 Marina absolutely refusing to look at the camera.

 

 Eli happy about stealing Marina's present from her... before deciding he wanted both toys.

Eli doesn't know the difference between looking like he is in pain and smiling.

I said, "Hey!  Marina!  Look at me!"  This is what she did.  It's like she is a teenager.  

Marina giving her innocent look and Eli forgetting who he is supposed to be looking at.

Marina means business.  Eli looks awesome.

(: