Mozart, Picasso & A Princess

 

Tonight, we got to meet Santa in a quiet, private room, away from the hustle and bustle of the large group of other children waiting to see Santa. We were so happy that one of our town friends contacted the mayor on Picasso's behalf, to suggest some quiet accommodations so that we could participate in this event.  (I'm even hoping that next year, maybe we can participate without the accommodations we needed for this year.) 

We got to town about 35 minutes early and parked and walked around near the borough hall where Santa would be.  We played "Simon Says" near the police station (downstairs of the borough hall) and got to informally "meet" a few policemen this way.  Shortly before Tim arrived, we saw a guy in coveralls and a Santa hat getting things out of one of the police trucks.  As he headed our way, Picasso shouted, "Hello, Mr. Policeman!"  The man came over to us and said, "Hi, I"m the police chief."  Picasso was in awe - the police chief wore a Santa hat while heading out to direct traffic!  The chief asked if we'd be heading down to the train to meet Santa and I told him of our arrangement for a quiet meeting with Santa.  He said that he had seen the email exchange between us, the mayor and the lady who organizes the kids for seeing Santa, and so he knew just who we were.  After we saw Santa (yes, jumping ahead here), we exited the back of the building and the police chief was out front so Picasso took Tim to the police chief and said, "Hi, Mr. Police Chief!  This is Daddy!" 

Tim arrived in town a few minutes before Santa did and we had time to play a few more games, watch as the crowd grew closer, and then retreat to the back of the building as it got to be too busy and too loud for our guy.  We watched as they lit the tree in front of the building, while we stood in total darkness, behind the building.  Maybe someday we can stand out front - but it was nice and quiet and we had an unobstructed view.  Can't really beat that!  

We ran inside to the room they had arranged for us.  We heard the crowd come into the building but we had a nice, quiet room.  Picasso's ears perked up as the noise level grew louder, but he did not seem overwhelmed at all, and handled himself quite nicely.

And then, we saw him.  And our friend in town was right - Larger Than Life!  Santa apologized for being a few minutes late - apparently there was ice on the Polar Express.  I'm sure the problem could *never* be with Septa! (right, Steph?)

Santa took a few minutes and talked to the kids, sat to hear the one thing they wanted most, stayed for a few pictures and was absolutely magical.  If ever someone didn't believe, I'm pretty sure meeting Santa - this Santa, the real Santa - would completely change their mind!