Dear Mai,
The whole Santa situation has taken many turns in your short time on this planet. We thought we turned a corner last year when you went and visited Santa. We thought for sure that this year you'd be geeked to see him! We even booked a trip on the Santa train this year! This was our conversation before we left.
Mommy: "Maya, aren't you so excited to get on the Santa train to meet Santa?"
Maya: "The Santa train? Is that like the Polar Express?
Mommy: "Yep!"
Maya: "I know it's not the real Polar Express though. The real Polar Express goes to the North Pole. The real North Pole is really far away. We wouldn't have time to get there by train today."
Daddy: (with exhaustion and admiration) "You're right. This is just the Santa train. Santa is visiting Snoqualmie where your friend Noe lives. We get to take the train to see him there!"
Maya: "Can I wear my pajamas like in Polar Express and each chocolate nougats and hot chocolate with marshmallows?"
Daddy: "No pajamas."
Mommy: "But they'll have cookies and hot chocolate!"
Maya: "With marshmallows?"
Daddy: "Yes. Probably. They might have marshmallows."
Maya: "Fine then. I'll go. I'm not talking to Santa though."
Daddy: (wondering how early is too early for Bourbon) "What?!?! You loved Santa last year. PLUS you have to tell him what you want for Christmas!"
Maya: (groaning) "Ugh. Can't we just text him?"
Daddy: (goes in search of Bourbon)
Mommy: "No way! You have to tell him in person! Santa is old school!"
Maya: "Fine. Let's go"
Well, we took the train, had cookies and hot chocolate. (no marshmallows, you don't even like hot chocolate anyhow) and had a fun time. You were still pretty nervous about Santa. While we were waiting in line you were practicing what you wanted to tell him and made me promise to hold your hand while you talked to him. BUT, by the time we got in there and you had a conversation with Santa's brother, Bells Nichols, you marched right up to Santa and sat on his lap. You weren't nervous at all. In fact you were very serious and told him exactly what you wanted:
Maya: "Hi Santa. For Christmas I only want three things. Barbie's dream house, Doc Stuffins toy hospital and Barbie Camper like Grandma has."
We've been trying to explain to you that Santa can't bring everything you ask for. BUT, if you're a good girl, I'm sure he'll bring you something from your list. If so, maybe we can send him a thank you email. You know, get the old man up to speed on technology. ;-)
Love you sweet pea,
Daddy