My wife went out of town for the day leaving the three kids in my care. With my mom knowing this she called me to invite us for dinner at J&S cafeteria. Upon arrival, the first thing mom said to the girls was, “Are you excited about Santa coming?” Under my breath... actually not under my breath... I said too bad he is pretend. Hopefully I am not becoming a grumpy Santa party pooper. My childhood Santa experience was positive we have just chosen to put the word “pretend” in front of Santa.

 

So we continue down the food line gathering veggies, chicken pan pie and blue jello. At the end of the line our the check lady (who we basically know) hits a bell for elf like tray carriers to give us a hand. They asked “where would you like to sit” and I said in the back. The girls begin to follow until something stopped them in their tracks. I kid you not Santa (real old man with real white beard and all) and Mrs. Claus were decked out in their clothing and sitting in J & S Cafeteria in our town! The girls stopped, stared and then yelled Santa is real - there he is Daddy. I am sure Santa and Mrs. Claus enjoyed that outburst moment more than their fried flounder with tarter sauce and slaw. Honestly, the whole incident was only temporarily embarrassing. It was a rich moment that I thoroughly enjoyed. And could hardly stop laughing when I told Emily the story.  By the way, the whole Santa Claus thing I am holding onto lightly. I want to enjoy the season and my family. However it is interesting how much more visible Santa is and invisible Christ and His Story is in our culture at least from a 3 year old perspective.

 

Tonight on Christmas Eve, Eve we will read the Christmas Story from Luke 2 and assemble our nativity scene in the process. No telling what my very literal little girls will say or do. Regardless it will be an enjoyable time.