Hey, Santa.

Since this is Leif's first *real* Christmas (as in, he can at least look forward to it) I am realizing how complex all this Christmas lore is. I've tried explaining it to Leif, and it goes something like this:

"So there's this Santa guy? He has a red suit, white beard, big belly, black boots, red hat, white gloves, and he says "HO! HO! HO!". He lives in the snow, and brings presents on sled pulled by Reindeer (one whom has a red nose and is sort of a loner), slides down the chimney and puts them under the tree and in your socks. We can visit him several times if you'd like to talk to him, but most kids send IM's. Try to be good or you won't get anything at all. Just coal. Jingle Bells! Batman Smells!"

Anyways, Leif just looks at me like I'm totally crazy.

But, he has figured out that this Santa dude brings presents. Yesterday we went to a local mall (that happens to have a Kid's museum) and I warned Leif that Santa would probably be in there. I asked if he'd like to talk to Santa about anything...

"Santa. Bring Presents! Toys!"

"Yep, Santa brings the Christmas Presents. Is there anything you would like?"

"Toys. Trains. Trucks. Leif likes trucks. Mama talk Santa."

So apparently I'm supposed to pass along the message to Santa about the trains and the trucks, but when we get up to Santa Leif has no problems at all telling him all by himself.

Leif says:

"Santa, Leif" (I think he is introducing himself?)

"Presents, Leif. Toys. Trucks. Trains." (Leif speaks of himself in the third person. Not creepy till you're 5 or so.)

"Santa! Black Boots! Belt! Gloves!" (Yes sir, he is the real deal.)

After we take the picture Leif spots the candy in the basket next to Santa.

"Candy Cane! Leif like Candy Cane! Candy Cane! Please! More! Candy Cane!!!!!"

So he gets his Candy Cane and we go happily on our way.