Magic

I knew Jonah would catch on.  He's a smart boy and very observant.  He will not be fooled. 

We went to the Riverwoods outdoor mall to see Santa and all the beautiful lights they've hung.  Its almost like Temple Square, except without the temple.  I hoped there would be "a good Santa", comparable to the one they've got at the University Mall nearby and we were NOT disappointed!  He was the real deal and their decor was so perfect.  It was outdoors so they had a little house with fake windows (no glass), a real fireplace and fire next to Santa's chair and beautiful decorations making it look just like Christmas.  The big bonus was that they let you take your own pictures! No forced photo package!  The kids were so excited that they completely blanked on all the toys they'd been putting on their lists and Sophie's response when asked what she wanted was "a candy cane".  Wow, if only I'd known what would appease her childish Christmas desires before I'd stayed up til the wee hours of the morning on Cyber Monday trying to take advantage of deals.  Needless to say, the kids had a wonderful time.  And so did we.

This morning was our ward Christmas party at church.  We prepared bags of diapers, blankets, and books for newborns and the kids visited with Santa again.  This is when Jonah looked at me with a knowing look and said, "OH! Why is Santa just always different!"  This was your typical fake Santa with the too bright, plastic-y beard and wig that slides ever-so-slowly down his forehead, prompting the slight tugs and pulls at his hat between seeing children.  Nevertheless, Jonah played along and didn't seem too bothered by it all.

After all, don't we all turn a bit of a blind eye to reality during the holidays?  That's what makes it magical.