Round Two!  Round two for Ethan Reginald as he goes to see Santa Claus at the mall later today.  Tried to do so the day after Thanksgiving; it ended badly.  Very badly.

Merri and Tinsley were very angry with their little brother; however, they have to understand something here:  most two-year-olds (or those less than the age of two) are bound to get scared of Santa Claus; it's common practice among that age group.  Kids see this huge, strange, bearded man (often portly) dressed in red-and-white clothes, a hat often adorning his  head, and the man, more than likely, has a big, booming voice that is guaranteed to strike fear.  They don't know who he is or where he came from.

And yet their parents inSIST on putting their little ones on this stranger's lap, and the kids don't know what to do or think, so they just cry.  Or scream.  It's only natural.

Little Ethan is no exception.  Let's hope he has recovered from his first traumatic experience with Santa; I can only pray he did!  I wanted so very badly to have a picture made of my son with Santa; however, poor Santa never got a chance.  All he got were bruises on his shins (from where Ethan kicked him) and two busted eardrums from Ethan's screams.

I just hope that doesn't mean that the kids don't get anything for Christmas:  I mean, nothing would make them more disappointed than to find lumps of coal in their Christmas stockings come Christmas morning because Santa Claus was mad at them!  It would just devastate them!!

Later:

Miracles of miracles, Ethan did not cry or scream when he saw Santa.  Oh, he was scared, don't get me wrong; however, he clammed up, didn't say a word, when Santa talked with him.  He only nodded his head or shook it when Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas.  He did look at Santa like he was a monster; the look on his face was priceless. 

He looked like he was a.) going to throw up all over Santa, or b.) start crying any minute. 

Thank God he didn't do either one, but he was silent throughout his Santa experience.

I just hope he hasn't been traumatized by visiting Santa!  I don't relish the thought of my son in therapy as a way to work out his phobia of Santa Claus or Christmas, in general!

Maybe next year he will be braver.  I can only hope. 

Now that Santa has Ethan's wish list (race cars, a soft football, other toys), maybe Ethan can sleep better, knowing that Santa will bring him his gifts come Christmas morn.  He will try to be a good boy; this is the time of year when kids seem to behave at their best (but then afterwards, all hell breaks loose!  Woo-hoo!! LOL).

Thank God for Santa Claus!  He is the catalyst in making children behave.  They know they are getting something from Santa; being good is their goal in life; getting that prized wished-for toy or bike or dolly is incentive to encourage good behaviour. 

Now if Santa could come the rest of the year, we'd have it made!  We need to have Christmas all year round!  I'd love it if Santa could come in August, or February!  LOL

On that note, Merry Christmas, and know that your child's fears are only temporary; they will pass!  (Or at least I am hoping they do!)