The story of James meeting Santa

Justin’s work had a Christmas party for the kids Thursday night. There were arts and crafts, pizza and desserts, musical chairs, and Santa!

James was very tired. We had company in town, he had missed naps, and the party was during bedtime. So, Justin was holding James by the front door posing for a few pictures.

We were watching the big kids play musical chairs,

when all of a sudden Santa made his appearance. There was no chimney so, he came in through the front door yelling, “HO, HO, HOOO!”

It caught us off guard, and you can guess what happened next.

James was very scared.

So now, he was scared and tired.

We thought maybe we should introduce James and Santa since, they’re going to be friends for many years. And besides, it was Santa’s voice that was startling. Not Santa himself.

So, we took James over to meet Santa face to face.

And although scared, James did pretty well. Santa tried to give James a high-five, which prompted the lower lip again.

He tried to plea for help.

And then Santa made the mistake of talking again, and James had already made it clear that he does not like his voice.

So, we said goodbye to Santa, and being the torturous parents that we are, we waited our turn for James to sit on Santa’s lap. Because he hadn’t had enough, right?

By the way, before you see the face of this “Santa,” I’ll admit that he is not the real Santa. The real Santa couldn’t make it to Fort Jackson this Thursday evening so, he had someone fill in for him to find out what the kids want for Christmas. But this substitute did a great job so, we’ll continue to call him “Santa.”

Anyways, “James Helfer?!” they called, and up we went.

And James did great! He was mesmerized by “Santa’s” beard. (Maybe he wondered why it didn’t match his mustache. Who knows?)

“Santa” rang the bells in his hands, and James loves music!

Everything was going great until “Santa” said very loudly in his deep voice, “MERRY CHRISTMAS, JAMES!”

And Daddy quickly jumped in for the rescue.

We took our traumatized baby home and told him he won’t have to meet Santa or his mean ole substitutes until next year… Unless we make a last minute Santa trip again this year. :)