Twice a month we get together with the remaining 3 families of our PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) group to socialize and watch our kids play over a meal. Today we had a brunch at our house and it was also our annual “Christmas” (or “Holiday” for those so inclined) meeting.

We had a nice brunch of pancakes, ham, bagels, fruit, coffee, and juice, but the real show was to have Santa show up for the kiddies and give out the gift swap presents. Now, the boys are currently all 3.5 years old (and the matching girls range in age from 4 mos – 11 mos old), and the previous 3 Christmas get-togethers have resulted in some wary children when it came to Santa.

Since we were hosting, the Wife pulled a “Johnny Bravo” on me since I apparently “fit the suit”. Well, being game and all, I capitulated and was Santa this year. While last year’s Santa was the source of some crying and other mistrust, the boys have all come to realize the symbolism of Santa this year and the moment I showed up, the Christmas lists were flying! I could hardly take in all of the requests. I have to say it was pretty amusing to watch the boys’ faces light up when they saw who it was. I had figured they’d see behind the suit and see our son’s father, but they didn’t seem to catch on.

So, the boys and the girls all got their gifties and Santa had to depart. Shortly thereafter I showed up after having made a “trip to the bathroom” and found that I had missed Santa. I have to say the even though the magic has dulled for me over the years, it was a real treat to see the boys’ (the girls were skeptical about the whole thing) reactions to Santa’s appearance.