Because sometimes everyone needs to sit on Santa's lap

A few weeks ago, we visited our local PetSmart in order to take a photo with Santa. We go to PetSmart for several reasons, the most important one being that it only costs $10 and the $10 goes to the local animal shelter. This year, in order to pump Lola up about the visit, we talked a lot about Santa. We read The Night Before Christmas, I pointed out the Santa lawn ornaments in our neighborhood, and I showed her his image as we walked down the seasonal aisles of Target.

We also talked about his lap. How she would have to sit on his lap. How Mommy would take a photo of her with Santa. How Archie and Gizmo would also be in the photo with her.

Then, we got to PetSmart, and she took one look at his fake beard and screamed at the top of her lungs, "NO SANTA! NO!"

This Santa, unlike some other Santas that I have witnessed, was unwilling to hold a kicking and crying child. After a few minutes of being unable to calm Lola down, Santa asked if Josh and I wanted to be in the photo. Immediately, Josh said yes, and I agreed, although being that I was wearing a sweatshirt and no make-up, I really didn't want to be in the photo. Instead, I just wanted Lola to stop crying. So, I joined the photo.

Here we are, our little family squishing Santa, with Lola whispering, No Santa, No.



Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.