Best Laid Plans.

As I may have mentioned before - I'm frugal.
So when I saw that the local mall was offering free Santa photos I knew that we would not be going to the other mall with highly overpriced pics with the man in red.

It tickled me to think we would be denying that particular Santa our glorious presence this year, as last year he told me off in front of the six year old for snapping a pic on my cell phone.
It took all my restraint not to start a lecture about the spirit of Christmas and what Santa is supposed to symbolize.

So, I dress the baby in her new dress - OMG sooo cute. (Sorry, Cali girl took over there for a moment.) I then carefully packed a coordinating outfit for the six year old who was at school.

We set off to pick up the six year old and informed her of our mission. Much excitement ensued as we slipped into the bathroom to change.

Now I may not know everything there is to know about parenting but I have been around the block a few times.
I spent time preparing the six year old for the possibility that Santa might be off feeding his reindeer (taking a break) or have left for his workshop for the day.

She solemnly tells me that she understands and knows that if he's not there we'll go back and see him later.

Guess what - he's not there. He's supposed to be there - it's advertised that he will be but he's not.
So there we stand, me chewing my lip at the sight of my two sweet girls all dressed up looking at a big empty chair.
"Oh my goodness" I say "I bet Santa has gone to make your American Girl Doll Bed."

The six year old perks up at this idea and I quickly throw in the idea of hot chocolate to complete the diversion.
So we're sitting in the cafe, complete with yummy hot chocolate AND a sugar cookie chatting away about our day and I'm feeling pretty good about the way things worked out when the six year old says,
"Mummy can I tell you something?"
"Yes love..."
"It's just that I'm so disappointed about Santa."
Her face crumples and I feel that hot pain in my chest that is motherhood.

I have two choices. The other mall with capitalist Santa is ten minutes away or there's a toy shop next door. Either way my wallet will be taking the hit.
What's a mom to do?
We have a rule - we don't buy toys when Santa is coming.
I also have principals - Santa should be not for profit.

I am going to leave it up to you to guess whether I dropped my principals or my dollars....



To those who are celebrating Hanukkah today - I wish a wonderful time for you and yours.