Somehow, we have avoided the “mall Santa experience” for five Christmases now.  And on his sixth, we had no choice but to visit Santa at the mall.  It wasn’t the worst.  In fact, it was quite nice.  I think part of it was that we went on a Wednesday afternoon, around 1:00.  The mall was empty.  There were only two other families trying to meet the Jolly One.  

And the best part was that it was still full of magic for Louis.  You should have seen when we were given the go-ahead, that it was our turn.  Lou’s smile was the biggest that it could be.  He was literally jumping his way over to Santa.  And as soon as he hopped in his lap, Louis snuggled Santa. 

I mean, honest to goodness, snuggled him.  It was heart warming.

The magic of Santa is not lost on this one.  It’s so much fun to experience things like this through his eyes.  Louis asked Santa for three very specific things.  One we are delivering on, one we are half-delivering on…and the other?  Well.  Maybe we will see if one of the grandparents still need a gift idea.  They’re all small, inexpensive things.  Totally cool with me.

Part of me wishes I still had the innocence to believe in Santa.  What a magical world Louis must live in.  I envy him for that.