Doin' the Santa Thang, Texas Syle!

Every year the teachers at Ian's school go caroling through our neighborhood. This is our third Christmas here, and last night was the first time we made it to the "parade", as it was called. Keep in mind that this time of year we could be wearing shorts and running around barefoot, or huddled under blankets sipping hot cocoa. Last night, there was a little of both. Around here you just never know how to plan for a parade.

A terrific friend hosted a party at her house, which happens to be one of the stops along the caroling route. There must have been over a hundred people in her home, and easily two-thirds of them were under the age of twelve. It was wonderful holiday chaos.

A few minutes before the teachers were due to arrive, we all gathered in the front yard with hot cocoa, beer, wine, pizza, and cookies in hand. Ainsley was so excited. Ian remained calm, even somewhat hesitant. Neither of them had ever seen a caroling parade before.

In case you were unaware of this fact, you should know that Santa does not do Texas in a red sleigh pulled by reindeer. No-sir-ee-bob! Santa rides in the BACK of a king cab pickup truck (I believe it is a Ford). He is surrounded by the cream of the elementary teaching crop - the best of the best. In order to accommodate all of the faculty who participate in this event, Santa's truck pulls a shiny red ski boat to accommodate the kareoke machine and additional choir members. The rear of his parade is brought up by another pickup truck.

Mind you, Santa is ever aware of the growing problems of obesity and tooth decay among our young children. He has adopted a no-sugar policy when he comes to our neighborhood. Santa does not bring the traditional peppermint candy canes enjoyed by so many other children around the world. To our children, Santa and his elves throw shiny Mardi Gras beads. Yep . . . I ain't kiddin'!

At first, Ian was not eager to approach Santa's truck. It had stopped right in front of where we were standing, but he was not going near it. Ainsley wanted to jump into Santa's lap and tell him what she wants for Christmas. He handed her some gold beads, and she just sorta stared at him, like he was crazy or somethin'. Then she told me she didn't want the beads, she wanted to ride in the parade sitting next to Santa.

And I heard about it for the rest of the night.

Eventually, Ian and Steve made it around to the teacher's boat and got some beads.

Then Ainsley wanted another cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows to drink on the walk home.

She also wanted to whine.

So we all sang "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to take her mind of her troubles. That just made her angry, because she wanted to sing solo. Apparently, the rest of us suck at singing according to her standards.

Throughout the evening,Ian held it together extremely well. No meltdowns. No early requests to go home. No overwhelming anxiety attacks. It was rough on Ainsley though, and she let the rest of us have it until she was ready to fall asleep some two hours later.

The formalities of the holidays are getting to her. She is ready for her presents. I know she is wondering why Santa came early to sing Christmas songs, and why couldn't he have brought her ballet stuff with him? It's all so mysterious. Ian is just goin' with the flow. He is doing his best to balance against Ainsley's need for an attitude adjustment. I think we're going to survive this holiday season after all. Or, at least, most of us will. ;-)