Santa and the Baby Jesus

Lucky for the Wasylik boys, Santa makes a pre-Chrsitmas sweep through our neighborhood by showing up at our next door neighbor’s annual kiddie Christmas party. Following a dramatic reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and with a little assist from parental units, Santa gives each child in attendance a present, and finds out what else they want for Christmas.

This year, Alex was really into Santa’s arrival. He was so good about it — sat patiently and looked on in wonder while 2/3 of the kids got to sit on Santa’s lap (others in the room had tantrums, unfortunately — it’s hard to be a little kid and have to wait your turn!). He was excited to meet him again (this was the third time this year the boys met Santa; he also made an appearance at their school). And he was just thrilled with the gift Santa brought him and his brother to share: a Little People Nativity Set. Complete with Mary, Joseph, two shephards, three wise men, a camel, a donkey, a horse, two sheep, a sheep dog, an angel perched on the manger (press her and the manger plays “Away in a Manger” and the star lights up!) and, of course, the Baby Jesus.

Alex shocked me by knowing who everyone was. And in particular, having nice little conversations with the Baby Jesus. It is hysterical to watch him play out the story!

Tonight, as a special treat, we did our story time in the living room, by the Christmas tree, and read three Christmas stories. We started with The Story of Christmas, which explains the reason behind the season, so to speak. When we got to the part where the angels tell the shephards that Baby Jesus is coming, Alex turned to me and said “I want to tell the Angels that I have a Baby Jesus here.” I said “OK, you do that.” To which Alex stood up, went and picked up his Baby Jesus from the set, brought it over, and said to the book “Look Angels, the Baby Jesus is here!”