The Lee Family: Santa Visits!

On Friday, when I picked Sofia up from school, we decided to watch Polar Express since we've watched it every other year and we hadn't yet seen it yet. Once we got home, I was getting the movie ready when Sofia said "So, I know that you and Papa set out the gifts in the stocking and under the tree and that Santa isn't real." I was completely taken aback! Without trying to show any emotions I asked, "Who told you that?" and she said "Caroline, at school." Caroline is one of her friends in class who also happens to have an older brother. Still not really knowing what exactly to say, I responded with "Well, I certainly hope that isn't true because I know your Papa and I go to bed and we don't wake up in the night. In fact, we don't have anything to put in stockings for you and Olivia. Plus, he's come every other Christmas morning, why wouldn't he come this year?" She had a look on her face that made it clear she was really thinking this over and I realized her original statement to me was more of a test than anything. We watched Polar Express together and toward the end she leaned over and said "See, reindeer really do know how to fly." and I told her she'll need to tell Caroline to watch the movie.

I knew Sofia would stop believing in Santa at some point, but I certainly didn't expect it to be at 5 when she's still in Kindergarden! So, I was very interested to see how she responded to Christmas morning.

Chandler and Jillian woke up and headed out to see their stockings and presents and I kept waiting for Sofia to join them. Finally, around 9:30am, I decided to go get her. I leaned over her and said "Sofia, something happened last night. Santa came!" She immediately sat up and said "Did you see him?" She was very convinced that she was going to see Santa as he filled the stockings. In fact, shortly after we'd filled the stockings and gone to bed, Sofia (who is sleeping on the floor in our room), stood up, went into the hallway, peeked into the living room very briefly and then went into the bathroom. Both CK and I were nervous that she'd see all the stuff and also see that her Aunt Cynthia and Uncle Jay were still awake! She returned from the bathroom and it was clear that she was completely out of it and hadn't noticed anything! Whew! I must say I slept very lightly all night wondering if she'd wake up early, but she didn't.

She came out of the room and headed into the living room where everyone was opening their stocking and gifts from Santa and she immediately went through her stocking. CK then convinced her to open one of the gifts from Santa and she opened it to find the horse set she'd specifically asked Santa for from Bass Pro Shop. She was super excited! She also got a horse blanket and tack and horse calendar and was super super excited! After she kept talking about Santa and how great it was that he visited, so I think her faith is restored....until next year!

Olivia, also opened her stocking and was completely taken with a blue ball that Santa brought her. She also found that he'd brought her food pouches and Baby Mum-Mum's, so she was soon snacking away and very happy! Anything to do with food makes her happy! Santa made two little girls very happy this year!

Santa came! Chandler and Jillian's goodies are on the right and Sofia and Olivia's things from Santa on the left...