Christmas at the Mall

Every year I think the same thing at Christmas...why do I go to the mall? I did almost every bit of my shopping online this year, and was DONE by December 1. However, I still felt the need to go to the mall on Saturday. Why did we do this? Adam and I parked the car after much discussion about how behavior is markedly UN-Christmaslike when parking a car at the mall....and proceded to go into what I think is a lovely mall the other 11 months of the year. Now, I will say that I love shopping, and love a mall at any time of year. BUT I especially love a mall at Christmas. Not just the decorations, but the people running around (and even though it's consumerism at its peak, it is still people buying gifts for other people). And Northpark is more over the top than any other mall in America. This is due to, I think, its Santa Claus. He makes enough cash being Santa at Northpark that he does not have to work the rest of the year. Some say he is the real Santa. Now, I'm not saying there is no Santa...but if there is, this guy is probably him. He has a fabulous white beard that is fluffy, not scratchy, real live soft white hair, and his suit is Oh-so-luxurious and velvety. I'm willing to put money on the bowl-full-of-jelly-jiggle, too, but I didn't see him laugh that hard. His cheeks are rosy, and there are probably reindeer hiding out in the back room with the elves. To see this man, and sit on his lap for a minute or two, you must take a number. Really. Some have taken their number at 10 in the morning, gotten in some shopping, eaten lunch, seen a movie,and still had to wait a while when they got back. My friend went to see Santa the other day. She arrived right after opening. at 10am. She was number 95. Santa also takes a lunch break, and I think the camera broke at one point. She had her little one on his lap by 4 p.m. That is, if you count getting to-and-from the mall, a full work day for most! Who says being a mom isn't a full time job ;)

All I'm saying is...if you're in Dallas around Christmas, you should go to Northpark and sit on Santa's lap. (you may just get what you ask for)