A visit with the man in red

Christmas in Atlanta starts mid October, when Phipps Plaza starts booking appointments for Santa Claus. Registration is intense and fiercely competitive. In years past, appointments have sold out in the first 48 hours. This years registration took stress to a whole new level, after a glitch in the online booking system caused it to shut down for several days. During that time, mamas, like myself, panicked at the thought of visiting a less than perfect Santa Claus; a Santa donning an old, outdated suit and smelling of coffee and cigarette smoke. A Santa surrounded by creepy elves, plastic snow coated candy canes, and a cheesy backdrop.

Thankfully this was not our fate. A few days after shutting down the system, Santa’s helpers were able to get the site up and running again. After days of waiting, I booked our appointment and breathed a huge sigh of relief. I was also able to begin issuing threats prepping MR about the significance of this years visit with the big man. There would be no crying. And definitely no meltdowns. Starburst candy would serve as the reward. An extra big smile would earn her a piece of bubblegum.

At MR’s request, I allowed Lolly, her favorite doll, to accompany her on Santa’s lap. At my request, she did not cry or pitch a fit at the mere sight of the man in red. Instead, her and Huttie put on their best “get me outta here” faces…

santa

After a few minutes on Santa’s lap, MR walked away with a Starburst, a piece of gum, and a candy cane. She also walked away with a whole new appreciation of the big man. And I walked away with a new discipline tactic…”Don’t make me pick up the phone and call Santa”.

Reading through the Christmas wish list with Santa. A pink racer and baby doll are at the top of MR’s list.

santa cmas list

MR also told Santa what her baby brother wants this year (not sure where she came up with his “wants”, but she had a whole list for him in her head, including baby marbles and a boy baby doll)

santa huttie cmas list

Sweet MR was in rare form after her visit with Santa. When she found out that Gran C was coming later that afternoon, she got even more excited!

santa mr excited

Waiting for Gran C to arrive…

santa mr2

This just may be the best Christmas yet! MR and I have spent hour upon hour looking through toy magazines and reading Christmas stories.

santa mr


This entry was posted in Hutson, mary reese, memories. Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to A visit with the man in red

  1. Charlotte says:

    I love the threat! I have a friend in Athens that often picks up his phone to hear, “Santa, I have a little one here….” and he happily gives his most robust Santa greeting and speaks with the little one about their behavior…even in July! It was always fun to be in his office when one of those calls came in! I hope you find a real live Santa to call so that it is not an “empty threat” =)

  2. Joy Peterson says:

    How cute!!! I love it!

    And I love that Huttie wants marbles for Christmas : )

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