"I Wuv Mrs. Kwoz!"

We attended the annual Fire Department Christmas party last Sunday with the best Santa and Mrs. Claus in the history of St. Nick.  Ben couldn't wait to see Santa.  Abby couldn't wait to wear her Christmas clothes.  Several days before, she said, "Mommy, I'm worried my feet will grow too much before Christmas and my Christmas shoes won't fit."  I assured her it was highly unlikely her feet would grow that much over the course of the next few weeks, but she was much relieved to put them on for the party and finally wear them.

All week the kids discussed what they would ask Santa for this year.  They also had detailed conversations about how Santa would know which stocking is Abby's since she decided she wanted hers to be the reindeer stocking that's usually mine instead of the angel one she's used the last few years. Ben, very pragmatically, brought up this point when she decided to trade.  He also suggested the solution: let Santa know at the party.  She agreed.  

At the party, the kids waited patiently in line to see the beloved North Pole residents.  When their turn came, both kids happily sat on their laps: Ben on Santa's, Abby on Mrs. Claus's.  Since we've seen this same Santa and Mrs. Claus since Ben was a baby, Santa & Mrs. Claus remembered the kids, and Mrs. Claus, who seems to have a special fondness for Abby, delighted in giving her lots of squeezes and kisses.  Abby seemed to soak in every second of time with her.  

Santa chatted with Ben for a minute while Mrs. Claus talked to Abby about her pretty red dress (did you know red is Santa's favorite color?), and when the time came, Ben asked for a Santa costume (where am I going to find that?), Abby asked for a reindeer she could have in her bed (a reindeer stuffed animal), and then she shyly informed Santa of the new stocking arrangement here in Ben-and-Abby land.  With this explanation, the kids said goodbye to the costumed couple, who've infused their roles with a very real kindness and gentleness.  We gathered our coats and headed home.

When we got to the car, Abby said, "I wuv Mrs. Kwoz."  

I think the feeling is mutual.

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Hoping this season brings the same merriment and magic to you and yours.