{santa}

We made our annual trip to the Santa House this afternoon. I firmly believe in Santa Claus, however, I do know that since he can't be everywhere, especially this close to Christmas, there are helpers that fill in for him. Sometimes these helpers don't quite fill his shoes, but our kids are always excited nonetheless. Just the fact that they are able to sit on his lap, whisper their secret wishes, and feel the excitement in the air makes it worth the frigid temperatures, long lines, and the occasional lack-luster Santa Claus.

This visit was different though. He was jolly. His eyes twinkled, and his dimples were merry. His belly shook when he laughed. He had very real hair, with a very real beard, both as white as snow (Ryan even tested it!). He put his head close to theirs, spoke about Christmases past, and the Christmas yet to come. He carefully placed candy in their pockets, and happily smiled for pictures. Kate and Emma each climbed up eagerly into his lap (which I didn't think Emma would do), and told him what they wanted when he asked (a dolly). He even drew in Ryan, who had asked me earlier if he had to sit on Santa's lap.

As we left, we all turned to each other, and wondered if maybe...just maybe...we had been lucky enough to cross paths with Santa himself.

Ho! Ho! Ho!