Daddy’s Out Numbered

I found the perfect alternative to visiting a mall santa.  Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with mall santa…just really long lines, feeling like you should hurry up because other people are still standing in that really long line once you finally do reach the jolly ole fellow, and picking from mediocre photos of your child screaming his/her head off. 

This year instead we had tea with Santa at the Hermitage Hotel.  Instead of standing in line for and hour and a half we were escorted into a beautiful, I mean beautiful room (chosen by many couples to host their wedding receptions), seated at our table, treated to finger food which included tiny pb&j sandwiches, scones, cookies and our choice of tea or hot chocolate.  We were served by a very understanding wait staff, as was evident when Ava promptly knocked over her glass of water when we sat down.  The children were all dressed in their best clothes and it was all very posh.  A magician entertained the children for a while and then the hostess read the night before Christmas.  Then the main event…Santa!  He came into the room and walked around to each table greeting and conversing with each child.  He made a real attempt to ease those children who were initially scared of him.  He made his way to his chair under the Christmas tree and each child had their unhurried moment chatting with Santa.  There was a professional photographer on hand to take photos, but we were also allowed to take our own.  That means we have beautiful digital photos that we can manipulate any way we like. 

This is the way to see santa!