YOU ARE NEVER TO OLD FOR SANTA

My sweet great niece is almost 11 years old.  When we were at the mall she didn't want to go sit on Santa's lap and have her picture taken.

She said she is to old to believe in Santa.  WHAT!  I quickly explained one can never be to old to believe in Santa.

Well after a bit of a discussion and even a tiny bit of bribery, she agreed to go in for pictures.

As they were getting ready with taking the order and getting paid, I turned and saw Trinity and Santa were having a conversation.  So I started to click away.

I love this picture.  It isn't posed.  It isn't forced.  It's just natural.  No one knew I was taking the picture. 

It's just a girl having a chat with Santa.

Then they turned and noticed I was there.  So, the conversation stopped and they posed for a picture.

I'm not sure what they were talking about but, Santa was in a jolly mood and kept laughing.

Trinity wouldn't tell anyone what they were talking about and of course Santa wasn't going to spill the beans.

Then, I got tapped on the shoulder.  I was told it was time for them to take their professional photo.  I had to move out of the way.

I'm not sure what happened that night.  But, I think Trinity finally believed me that you really are never to old to sit and have a chat with Santa.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Hope Santa brings you everything you ever dreamed of and more. Merry Christmas and God Bless You!

SANTA BABY

I finally made it to my storage and got some of my Christmas items out so I can start to decorate.

The first box I opened was some of my Santa's that I've collected and thought I would share them with you.


I love this Santa with a big bag full of toys in his sleigh.

The Christmas tree in back of him belonged to my mom. Her friend made it for her and she treasured it.


These two Santas are so colorful and cute. They are actually salt and pepper shakers but I never use them for that.

I really like this Santa because he is simple. Nothing fancy. Just Santa!

This little Santa is actually a Dept 56 trinket box.

Here are three littler Santas.

This is Mr. and Mrs. Santa. They are in the process of changing from their Fall outfits to Christmas ones. I guess I could put this one up in the Fall and leave it out until Christmas but I never do.

I wait to put all my Christmas things out at once.

This one I got 1/2 off at Macy's a few years ago. It was their after Christmas sale.

It's actually a tea pot.

This Santa reminds me of the old Santas from days gone by.

One year, on my trip to Rogers Gardens, I picked up this Radko Santa.

Here are three more Santas that have that vintage feel to them.

A few more Santas to enjoy. The one on the right is a candle holder. You lift up the top of the presents and there is a candle in there.

I love this one! It's the Coke Santa. It is actually my sister, Patty's, but I put it with my other Santas. I'm hoping she will one day forget it is hers and I'll get to keep it. Shhh! Don't tell her.

These are two more candle holder Santas. I never burn them though.

Well, while I have many more Santas. I think these will be about the only ones I'll put out this year.

After all, I have snowmen, reindeer, trees and other Christmas items that I need to save room for.

JUST ENJOYING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Every year I try to get all my Christmas shopping done and then I like to take a day and go by myself to the Malls. Not to do any more shopping. Just to enjoy the decorations, listen to the music and watch all the hustle and bustle.


Today, I thought I would make a quick dash out to pick up a few more presents.

I thought I would be brave and head over to one of our smaller malls, in hopes that it wouldn't be as crowded.

This mall used to be called Crystal Court and it's across the street from our big mall, South Coast Plaza.

Every year they put up this different kind of Christmas tree. It's three stories tall so I couldn't get it all in one picture.


The top is the tree top and a big Santa, then the middle has a little village built into the bark.

The windows light up and you can almost picture the families going about their day inside.

The bottom has a train going around and through the tree. There is snow all around and little animals hidden throughout.

This is the top of the tree.

It's pretty clever and it is different but I'm not sure if I like it or not. I think I'm more of a traditional kind of girl and prefer just a big tree with lights and ornaments and a star on top.

The mall was pretty empty and I found myself walking around and just enjoying the feeling of Christmas that was in the air.

The music was playing, people were in a happy mood and I saw this sign that pointed me to the man himself! Santa! I just had to go see him.

I saw snow and polar bears playing. I must be close to the North Pole by now.

This friendly guy offered to give me a ride in his sled but I told him I would just walk.

Then I saw it! A sign that said I was there. I was at the North Pole. I saw a house and wondered if I could have possibly found Santa's House.

I moved over a little bit to take a peek inside and there he was! He saw me. He waved to me and shouted out "Merry Christmas".

I gave Santa a smile and I waved back then I quickly walked away. I didn't want him to think I was stalking him. Nor, did I want to take away any time the children had with him.

A short walk down the way I notice Santa's Express was open. Oh how I wished I was a kid again.

I would have loved to been able to hop on the train and have the big bear conductor take me around.

But, I am an adult and so I had to leave the train without a ride.

So, I went into the stores. I loved looking at the tables all set for the Holiday.

I thought this was a cute idea. Brown paper packages tied up with strings as the little gift to your guest.

This table was all reds and whites. I thought it was pretty and could be perfect for a breakfast table setting or dinner.

I think I like the red and white look for Christmas tables. There are so many colors to pick from and so many pretty settings out there it's hard to pick.

What's your favorite color?

As I was walking around and people watching I almost forgot to look up!

Once I did I noticed there were lots of decorations up there too.

Big wreaths hung from every entrance and there were beautiful big pots of bright red poinsettias everywhere.

Even outside was decorated with red and white flowers and larger then life size ornaments with hangers attached. They look like the Jolly Green Giant dropped one of his ornaments for his big tree and it landed right there.

I did get a few presents but mostly I just enjoyed the Christmas season in all it's glory.

I can't wait to get out the bigger malls now. If this little one was so full of the Christmas Spirit I wonder wonder how exciting the bigger places will be.

Now if only I would feel better so I could get my own Christmas decorations out...

GREETINGS FROM ME AND SANTA

I love Santa Claus! Everything about him is great. He is kind, loving, generous, jolly and brings presents. He loves cookies too!

I love to collect Santa Statutes. Old ones and new ones alike. Every year I try to get at least one new one.

But the thing I really love to collect is old vintage photos of Santa. Santa with children, with adults, animals or just alone. I like the ones in the studios or the ones taken by families with their own camera.

There is something that just makes me happy when I see them. I thought I would share some with you.

This little boy looks like he got all dressed up and his done perfectly so he could go see Santa and tell him what to bring on Christmas. He looks a little happy and a little scared though.

Why this little one doesn't look like he wants anything bad enough to sit on Santa's lap to get it. But mommy sure is trying to get him to go.

This little one looks like she just wants to get off Santa's lap. She told him what she wanted so hurry up and snap that photo so she can go home.

Now here are two little brave boys. I think they both went on and on with the list of things they wanted. They have no fear of Santa and have found over the years that if they tell Santa what they want, they get it. So they don't want to forget anything on their list.

Oh my! Santa looks like he had a bit to much egg nog at this party. Let's hope it's not on Christmas Eve.

Two little shy ones here. Not really scared of Santa but not brave enough to sit on his lap either.

I think this one must have been taken after a long day. Santa looks like he is ready to fall asleep.

I'm not sure Santa or the little boy enjoyed their conversation. Both look like they are board of each other.

This little girl is in love! No other man will ever meet up to her expectations now that she has met Santa in person.

Back off Santa! You are scaring the little boy. In fact, you have a look on your face that is scaring me too.

Oh the joys of old photos with Santa. The stories they tell. Or at least the ones I can make up are so fun.

Do you have any photos of you with Santa? If so, share them with us.

Hope these put a smile on your face and made you long for the day when you can go sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you want for Christmas.

Hugs,

Joanne