Santa has arrived

So this is my first Christmas with Gladys, and it is increible to be around the insane and delirious excitement of a child waiting for Santa, who was in Seattle and coming southward according to NORAD satelites around 11 p.m. Sure beats tracking the movement of nuclear warheads, don't ya' think?

Gladys was literally screaming with excitement and informed me that she couldn't possibly sleep. Her mouth is packed with the cookies that we got for Santa (he does have a few on a plate).

This comes after a tearful heart-to-heart we had earlier today about the existence of Santa and why he never brings her gifts. She tearfully informed me that only her parents/step-parents/aunts/uncles get her gifts, which translates into her not being good enough for his gifts. Gosh - I was stunned to hear this and quickly fabricated a rather random explanation that didn't totally satisfy her. I said that family members consult with Santa in a partnership, so that he can focus on getting gifts for poor children whose parents cannot afford any presents. She said - so you actually talk to Santa. I said yes, we sure do! It only takes one ridiculous fabrication and then you are in deep.

Well, luckily "Santa" went shopping before the stores closed, and he did leave her presents under the tree this year. Finally. Demonstrating that clueless grown-ups can sometimes get a clue.