Meeting Santa - Year Two

Eloise couldn't be more excited for Christmas.  Everywhere she looks, she sees Santa Claus - or as she calls him "Ho Ho TaTa".  I think she knows that's not his name, but at this point it is her nickname for the guy in the big red suit and she's sticking to it.

We've been having fun opening up our Advent Calendar everyday and looking for our "Elf" who oftentimes doesn't actually sit on a shelf, but somewhere out of arm's reach.  Part of the "Elf on the Shelf" tradition - which my sister Sharon gave us as a gift last year - is that the kids get to name their own Elf.  Sounds like they name him/her each year.  We asked Eloise what she wanted to name her Elf - and (I think) because of the connection to getting candy (like she does with the Advent Calendar after she 'finds' the Elf each morning), she decided to tell us that the Elf's name was "Trick or Treat".  So, we have a little Elf that visits us each morning - after flying back to the North Pole to report to "Ho Ho TaTa" on E's behavior - that is named "Trick or Treat".  The holidays have never been more fun!

This is the second year that Eloise has gone to visit Santa Claus in person.  My family heads down to the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's State Street Macy's State Street to eat breakfast and for the past two years, we've stuck around and waited to sit on Santa's lap.  Last year, Ellie calmly sat on his lap in a daze. Didn't do much but crack a small smile.  She likely didn't know what the heck was going on.

Here's a link to my personal blog where I have the photo from last year.

This year, though?  Whole different experience.  First, the wait in line was different - as Eloise was bouncing all over the place looking at the decor.  Then, when we finally got face-to-face with Santa?  Was Eloise excited?

Nope.  Terrified.  Grabbing onto our pant legs terrified.  We tried everything to get her to sit on Santa's lap for a photo.  Nat and I even sat next to him for one with Eloise on my lap.  Didn't work.  To be honest...Santa wasn't helping much.  Last year, Santa was in a MUCH better mood and was happy and frankly joyful.  This year?  He must have had too much eggnog the night before because he didn't say but 2 words.  And wasn't helpful at all.

So, we decided to plop Ellie on Santa's lap, asked him to hold on tight and this is the result.  A mid-air Eloise who is desperately trying to wiggle out of 'Ho Ho TaTa's' grip.  Not as good as a crazy sobbing photo that we all have from our past, but still pretty funny.

Here's to many more Santa visits with Eloise!