When DS#1 was about 3 he was curious but afraid of Santa. I had not really introduced him to "the real man," just waited for him to be ready. He never was, he would only wave from a distance. So my father came to our house dressed as Santa, thinking DS would be excited in his own home. Nope. He wasn't afraid, but he didn't care, he just kept asking "Grandma, why didn't you bring Grandpa?" LOL! DS was only really excited when he came back to the door as Grandpa! After that, I just did not encourage or discourage the Santa game to any of my kids. If they talked about him, I asked if they wanted to see him, they would say no. When they made wishes to Santa, I played along, never just killed it for them. But it was never a big deal, we have no pictures and don't wait in line at the mall to see him. I still write from Santa on all their gifts under the tree. I don't put gifts under the tree or in the stocking until the wee hours of Christmas Eve. Why? I guess b/c that's what my parents did, so that's why I do. ;o) Santa is just not a big part of our holiday. I don't know if my youngest ever believed, he is 6 now. When he was 4 I heard a friend's grandma ask him if he went to see Santa and DS told her "You know he's not a real person, don't you?" as if she was very confused. After that, I just focused on telling him not to say that to other kids. I had to remind him again this year that it's a fun game parents play and that it is not nice to ruin the game for other people. I am not sad that my kids don't believe, it just does not matter to me. Creating the illusion never came naturally to me as a parent. If they picked it up from other people and joined it, I went along. If they asked me for the truth, I told them it's a game we play. I could tell them the bit about Santa being in all of us when we give to others. Generosity and compassion are values I try to instill. It sounds good when other people say it. But it's not words that sound sincere when I say it. I respect whatever others chose to do. But I cannot make sense of standing in line to put my kid on a stranger's lap or paying to have his picture taken with a stranger in a costume. I guess I don't suspend the disbelief well enough myself to play it up for my kids. It sounds fun when people leave cookies and make reindeer food and leave footprints... all the games to play it up. But I would feel silly doing it myself. I don't know if I'm coming across the right way, I'm afraid I sound like a Scrooge. I do not judge or scoff at families who get into the whole thing. It works for them, that's great. I just also think we're fine without it. High heels are very popular, too, but I feel silly as heck wearing those, too. ;o) I just can't dress up in something- clothes or ideas- that aren't me without feeling like I'm pretending to be someone I'm not.

AB, I wish I could've witnessed the guy in the red suit as he first tried to get into da plane. That would've been just as amusing. Poor guy, getting himself into a dither in front of an entire town. And talk about horse power. Those elegant creatures added an element of beauty and magic to the occasion. But, my favorite picture is the one where Bud's built-up anticipation finally becomes reality. I hope Santa gave him a great big, reassuring hug. Sol

I have to be partial to Luci, the blonde. She sneezes on command. Sometimes you tell her to say "Please" & you get a sneeze. Ask if she's cold & she'll shiver. She loves her sweater. She gets (sneaks) into my car & is always ready to go to Grandma's house. It's quieter at Grandma's!!!! FeFe's so big & clumbsy but sweet too & so eager for love. Little Jack, the baby, is his daddy's dog. He's your friend if daddy's unavailable. His daddy works from home most of the time & spoils him rotten. When he's left behind,which is not often, he pouts big time. He gets to go on most trips, even several days. I sound like a grandma of "unfurry grands", don't I? Without them, I'd not be a grandma.

Awwwwwwww that Grant is the handsomest Santa I've ever seen! And next year Santa will have a little elf to help him! I agree with Eliza Ann, you know how you don't think a good thing can improve with age, but by golly our Grant does! He's too sweet for words...will you be making Christmas cards this year with your Santa Stephanie?