My mom and I took Jay to see Santa at the community square in town today while Em was at a birthday party. I thought he might crack at the last minute, but he walked right up and jumped on Santa’s lap as if they had been beer buddies in a previous life. They had a cozy little chat.
Santa: “Ho, ho, ho – hi there Jay.”
Jay: “Hi!” (Pause for pictures)
Santa: “Well Jay, what do you want for Christmas?”
Jay: “A BIG toy boat.”
Santa: “Well what a coincidence, the elves just finished up all the boats last week. You’ve been a good boy this year?”
(Wherein Jay looks him square in the eye and says, “Yes!!” without a moment’s hesitation)
Santa: “I’m sure you have. You keep it up and have a Merry Christmas.”
Jay then reluctantly gets down from Santa’s lap, but stands right in front of him, blocking the next child from coming forward. He waits until he has Santa’s attention again and says, “I’m really nice.”
It’s always good to reinforce your message.
This short visit then launches the following discussion in the car after he all but refused to eat his lunch.
Jay: “Santa said I’m on The Good List.”
Me: “Yes, but you need to stay on The Good List by continuing to be good.
Jay: “I’m not on The Bad List, right?”
Me: “No, I don’t think so.”
Jay: “What does ‘I don’t think so’ mean?”
Me: “It means I believe you’re on The Good List and not on The Bad List.”
Jay: “I’m not on The Bad List.”
Me: “I’m sure you’re not on The Bad List.”
Jay: “I’m not on The Bad List. I’m on The Good List. Right Mommy?”
Me: “I’m not Santa, Jay. Only Santa can decide who’s on The Good List.”
Jay: “I’m on The Good List. I’m not on The Bad List Mommy!”
Me: “I’m sure you’re right Jay. You have been a good boy this year.”
Jay: “I’m on The Good List.”
If you want to know how the rest of the conversation went, just repeat this whole dialog sequence approximately 100 times.
