Santa Claus

When she looks like that up on Santa's lap I actually have a grin so huge it hurts when I'm done.  I whisper under my breath, "thank you God for moments like these."  I concentrate on not forgetting one teeny, tiny detail.

But I suppose I need to back up just a bit.

We travel to a sleepy New England town not too far from where we live.  Because it is Christmasy beautiful and because of Santa Claus.

The restaurant looks like this.  And it's magnificent inside.  Old, colonial, restored, two fireplaces in each room.





I wouldn't care if the food was terrible. The atmosphere is so wonderful. But the food is amazing. Amazing. 'Farm to Table'



Every year Anna starts out with a hot chocolate



And I a pot of tea.



It is happy and relaxing. And just what we need when December is at it's fullest.









And then. And then. And then. This.



No lines. And it's like magic. She sat up there for twenty minutes. There is no picture to buy. No huge camera (except mine) in her face. There is no elves jingling bells to "look this way and SMILE" It's just time with Santa.



He asks her what she might want. And she thinks and thinks a loooong time.



But after a while she remembers.



He whispered to her something about telling your mommy and daddy that you love them. And they pinky promised.



She hugged him and I tried not to tear up.



And just when I thought it was over they chatted more.



I love his eyes here.



We shop in an 'old fashioned' toy barn after. (while she still glows)









We could be in that Country Christmas Barn all day. But it was so warm outside we decided on a break for dessert at their outdoor cafe. (wishing I took one that that)









And then back to shopping a bit more.









There is a Chocolate Cottage too.



And when the sun gets low we head back to our car and drive home.  And I feel happy.  Because this day and the moments of being with my little family are all I need for Christmas.



This was our visit last year.

2013 

2012