Despite Grant not wanting Tyler to see Santa without receiving a H1N1 shot, I knew it would be pretty difficult to avoid the Big Man.  I took Tyler snow boot shopping at the mall and we had to pass him on the way.  “Santa’s here”.  “Uh, yeah, we have to get boots”, I said, hoping he’d forget. After we had bought the boots Tyler said very matter of factly, “Now we have to see Santa”.  I didn’t want to go against Grant’s wishes but what was I supposed to do?

There was no line.  Tyler went up to Santa and said hi.  I remember as a child being in awe of Kris Kringle and being thrilled that he and I were at the same place at the same time.  What were the odds?! Tyler acted like why wouldn’t Santa be at our little local mall in New Jersey? Maybe it’s the age?  I asked Tyler if he wanted to sit on Santa’s lap and he said no.  He seemed content to just stand and converse with him, and I was relieved that I didn’t have to deal with breaking the agreement I had with Grant.

“What do you want for Christmas?,” Santa asked. “Piderman!”, he jumped up and down.  I translated for Santa.  “Oh, and have you been a good boy all year?”  “Yes”, said a very serious Tyler.  He looked at a basket of little toys and asked if he could have one.  Santa said yes and he took a rubber duckie with a Santa hat.  Then Tyler said goodbye.

So, I didn’t get that picture perfect moment of my joyous child on Santa’s lap, but at least Tyler got to talk to him, Legend to three-year-old.  And I guess I should enjoy this time when it appears Tyler will be pretty satisfied with a few Spiderman things and not have a wish list as long as my arm.