A visit with Santa

So in past years, this post would pretty much go like this... Saw Santa, froze, refused to go near Santa, cried, went home.  As with all things that have been happening lately though, we were pleasantly surprised.  We started the conversation with Thomas about seeing Santa right after Thanksgiving.  In past years he has wanted to go, but this year he was super excited.  He started rattling off all the things he wanted to tell him and want he was going to ask him to bring for Christmas.  We wrote out his list and brought it with us just in case.  Luckily we went somewhere that lets the children warm up to Santa before shoving them on his lap and getting a picture.  We belong to a mom's club and every year they have a great Santa event where families get a picture with Santa in exchange for a Toys for Tots donation.  Everyone has an appointment time, so it is a calm, unrushed event which is so essential for children with sensory issues and a complete 180 from a mall experience.  Our appointment was at 5:15- an unideal time for my 17 month old, but my focus was really on how Thomas would do this year. My two boys had about 10 minutes to warm up with Santa.  Thomas was hesitant to speak, but did give him his list and answer a few questions.  He also told Santa what his brother wanted.  This is the first year we even got within 5 feet of Santa and he even talked a little with him.   Little brother, like most 17 month olds, was not thrilled about sitting on a strange man's lap, but we got our first Santa picture with the two of them and no tears.   A huge success for Thomas and our family!