OK, everybody be good !

Hi to you all! Today was a shorter shift and we had 320 little ones on film. The count does not take into effect little one who just wants to chat with Santa, or the one that wishes to just pass by. Yes, I said pass by. It is the new "get to know HO HO" idea out here. Mom and/or dad walk up with the little ones in their arms and touch my jacket, fur, or hat and say, "See, isn't HO HO nice?" and "He is nice and soft." (My non-Santa side wants to say get a grip.) Hey, can anybody tell Santa who started this HO HO junk? It happens all day from parents talking to their child (yes, some say Santa) as they place them in my lap. Santa will tell you the truth, just say Santa or Santa Claus; drop the HO HO, it is very irritating.

We also did an older Golden Lab that was great and stayed when told! There were a couple of mixed breeds as well - one was wild and the other just looked bored and let Santa hold it. The pooch was cute, I have to say.

Okay, Santa had a rough day - one physical, the other emotional. The first one was another headbutt (face plant to be exact) to the groin. This one really was a accident. There is a small lip on the Santa porch and the little ones keep catching their shoes on it. Anyway, I was distracted and a little boy came at me fast. I could not react in time, shoes hit lip and head hit groin. (No, don't worry, the kid's fine.) I lost my breath and started to double up, but I saved it. One kid asked me why I was sweating and my voice sounded funny (Okay, no kid said that...but it would have been nice.) I need to have the elves work on the body-guarding part of their job. The "Talent" is getting bruised.

The second still chokes me up. We had a 12-14 yr old challenged youth come who just loves Santa (according to his mom). Well, after hug #3 and all the excitement that comes with it, he gave me a gift I was not to open. I had a picture taken with him and the gift, and he was thrilled. I had more hugs, a kiss, an 'I love you,' and a high five. I started to cry as did his mom, and all I saw was pure joy from this Santa fan. I tried to hold it but could not. Santa was professional and held his eyes with his cotton gloves to hold it back. I stopped the line for a second or 10 and started to see kids again. The gift was a decorated folder for my "gift" notes, and his name................Joe.

I will NEVER EVER understand why some Santa's refuse to allow these kids (at heart) to come to them. They need to quit NOW. In all Santa honesty, I think I am the only Santa in Harrisburg that accepts everybody (in fact, I know I am the only one), and still gives a free picture.

Time to change the subject! Alright everyone in Blog land, we have to keep it clean because I found out my blog has been hacked by two of my elves. OK, hacked is not quite right because I gave them the web address...So I hope they enjoy it as much as the rest of you have.

Hey I almost forgot, Bass Pro Shops invited me to their Christmas Party tonight. It was fun and I had the pleasure to meet the spouses/friends of the elves. It was fun to see them out of the shop, and I can't get over C's hair...I never saw it before as it's always covered by the elf hat. (I don't use their names because I have not asked their permission.) Two nights in a row I get to say I'm proud of the elves...

Good night and happy dreams,


Santa Joe