And so it begins, To the end.

Today we had a real light day. We only did 649 kids through Santa's Wonderland. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa and he's at BPS... Plus I have the sore rear to prove it.

We also had some dogs come through - a Yorkie, pure bread Hungarian St. Bernard (beautiful thick white and black coat - and no Brandy), a Chocolate Pointer, a Cocker Spaniel pup, and a basic mutt.

I had a rather large man (no joke) ask to sit in my chair and Santa sit on his lap (he had his daughter ask - the big chicken). Of course I said sure. Everybody sure had a good laugh. But the elves forgot to print Santa a picture......

Today from 12-5pm we sponsored a reindeer candy cane free to anybody. They were really cute (the ones I saw), we will do it again Sunday. Each weekend we sponsor some kind of craft. Next weekend is cookie decorating for the big day. Last week was my favorite Santa bobbers.

Santa did not sleep well last night at all, so I did not do well in the AM at BPS, but was better in the afternoon. In the evening I started to yawn and shut down, so I started to mess with the kids and that perked things up. Besides it is fun, and the kids like it (you have to pick the kids carefully).

I have commented on yelling and crying kids I think enough (but I reserve the right to rekindle), but today I want to try to explain the art of asking a question to a kid. I ask each kid the easy question, "What would you like for Christmas?" The most common answer is, "aummmmmm" and "AAAAAAA." I think 80% of the kids are stressed and just plain forget. It is cute mostly because you can see the brain wheels turning and just sending up smoke. I ask the boys if they would like a dress and a Barbie, and the girls a truck and a superman outfit.... They usually laugh and say loudly "NO," but it jogs the brain most of the time. For those just plain stuck, I start making gender specific items....baby dolls for small girls, trucks for boys, and it changes with the ages.

One thing I really try to do is make an "out" for parents. What I mean is most kids hit with a long list of items (teens, sometimes younger) that totals to a grand or better. I look at the parents and they are pale, shaking their head no. So I always try to get the kids to give a cheaper list, or I just tell them flat out that they will get something but no way all, and I always get a smile from the parent's approval.... Money is tight all over. Plus then Santa is the heavy; not Mom or Dad.

I work longer shifts until Christmas eve, please pray for Santa he will need it.

Santa Joe