Cookies with Santa

Taj has been really into Christmas. Loves to spot the Christmas lights everywhere he looks. Love's the decorations, songs, treats, books, presents,- you talk about Christmas and he's into it. Micah and I were a little worried about the crazy Santa in the mall experience and weren't really planning on getting him out to meet Santa until we heard about a little event called "Cookies with Santa." It took place in a little shop and had a sign up sheet accepting only about twenty kids. We decided that in a small setting like that where he could relax, have a cookie and watch other kids sit on Santa's lap it would be cool.
It was awesome. They all got bells to ring that brought Santa in, then one by one Santa would call all the kids up by name for the little Santa talk. We prepped Taj by talking about how cool it was that all those kids got to talk to Santa and asked him what he wanted for Christmas. Then it was his turn. I took him up and he did great until it was time to get on his lap. Terrified. Santa was a pro and tried to negotiate a sit down with mom and taj on the lap. Didn't work, so Santa gave him a bag of candy to which Taj thanked him through his tears. Then with Taj latched tightly to his mom, he and Santa had a nice talk about getting a train for Christmas.

When his turn was done he watched Santa for a while trying to size things up. For the rest of the day he told the story of how Santa made Taj a little nervous but that he told him he wanted a train. He loves the bell they gave him, and the candy. I think that all in all, it was a pretty good first time.