A Very Merry Afternoon Visit With Santa

This past weekend, my husband and I took our boys to our community recreation center for their annual Holiday party.  Our community center hosts many different events and programs throughout the year.  We’ve been active with our center since the boys were toddlers.  We planned this last minute, but they were offering free pictures with Santa Claus!  I just knew I had to get there!  

First, it was free.  Seriously, have you seen the prices they charge at the malls for pictures with Santa?  I could buy a new car!  Okay, so maybe not quite that extravagant but you get my point.  Second, taking Michael to the community center is a better experience for him.  It’s not as crowed and the community center has a special needs program, so they have experience in working with kids on the spectrum.  Last year, we went to a garden center for pictures with Santa.  The wait was over an hour long and we knew Michael would never be able to make it to the end.  So, when I heard about our community center holiday party, I knew we were in the right place.   

As soon as we got there, Santa was ready to go.  No waiting in line and Alex had plenty of time to talk his ear off.  I must admit, this Santa had a lot of patience.  At one-point, Chatty Santa seemed to be so happy talking to Alex but we had to move it along, explaining to Alex, that there was more to see at the party. Santa was still talking up a storm as we were leaving, maybe a few too many chocolate chip cookies for Santa, ay?!  

As we continued through the center, Alex noticed the sign offering face painting in room 6 and made a mad bolt up the stairs.  We didn’t stand a chance of leaving without him getting his face painted.  He really looked adorable though.   

In the room across the hall from the face painting, Michael and I peeked in on the visiting therapy dog.  He was a beautiful golden retriever with the cutest face.  Unfortunately, I never did get his name or a chance to pet him.  He was a little tied up with a few babies crawling all over him. 

In the main room of the center, you could help yourself to hot cocoa with cookies while watching “The Polar Express.”   

Overall, it was a nice afternoon and the boys had a great time.  Incidentally, on the way out, we caught Chatty Santa helping himself to more cookies.  Hehe!  

I want to take this time to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season!