Yes, Mrs. Smith...there is a Santa Claus..

Party Girl Returns!

I've been missing from Blogland for a few weeks because I've been at this huge party. Family and friends will tell you that I have a talent for throwing awesome parties. This party was a doozy! I was the only guest (hooray for me!) Maybe you've even been to one of these fabulous special occasions...It's called the Pity Party.

I really threw myself into the festivities. I dressed up in my special Pity Party attire of sweats and tees. I ate Frownies. I played sad music. I grumbled and griped at everyone I know. I even let my nerve endings blow out into a full bout of shingles! I know how to throw a good party!

I honestly thought this party was going to last forever...that is, until my daughter made Santa Claus cry. Yep, nothing like Santa's tears to put the smack-down on a good Pity Party.


It started at the mall last week. I figured it was still too early for Santa to be hanging out at his usual spot in the center court area. Boy howdy, was I wrong! Not only was Santa there, but he brought lots of elves, a postal center for North Pole mailings, a naughty/nice meter and paparrazi! Irish Dancer Girl was in holiday heaven!

She starts tugging on my Pity Party clothes and dragging me toward Santa. "But you aren't wearing your Christmas outfit!" I whined. "Let's come back when you have it on."

"Mommy, Santa will like my rockstar dress...trust me, it's fine." She continues dragging me toward the elfin paparrazi. I just sighed, and we hit the red carpet toward Santa.

Irish Dancer Girl climbed on Santa's lap and very intently began to give him "the list." She was so serious that the elf photographer took an extra photo and didn't even charge me for it. "That's a keeper!" said the elf. Finally, she and Santa smiled for the elf and "pop" went the flash. We wandered over to where the photos were printed to wait.

Suddenly, Santa appeared and knelt down next to Irish Dancer Girl. "You have the purest heart of any child I've ever met. I hope all of your Christmas wishes comes true." He gave her a big hug. Then he stood and I saw tears in his eyes. He grasped my hands and said, "I've been doing this for many years. I really felt like this was my last year. Children seem so caught up in the material world and some can be pretty demanding." He smiled and continued.."Your daughter didn't ask me for toys. She asked that this NOT be her Daddy's last Christmas with her. She told me he was sick. She asked if I could give her more Christmas seasons with her Dad."

Of course, my Pity Party ended right there on the spot. I became a blubbery mess all over Santa and his red suit. I scooped up Irish Dancer Girl and smothered her with hugs and smoochies.

Santa patted my shoulder. "I think I'm going to stick around the North Pole a while longer now," he smiled and started back toward his chair. Irish Dancer Girl ran up to him and gently tugged on his jacket. He bent down and she whispered (really loudly), "Oh, and can you bring me the Powerpuff Girls dolls?" He winked at her and looked at me. I gave him the thumbs up. "I'll see what I can do!" he smiled, hugged her again and went back to greet the other children.

I am deeply saddened that this most likely will be our last Christmas with Chilly. This realization is what started my big old Pity Party a few weeks ago. My daughter has never been told anything about this. She just intuitively sensed that time is of the essence. She helped me to remember that we must celebrate this season...fill it with happy memories...give each other all of our love with joy, not fill ourselves up with the sadness of what might have been. She also reminded me of the magic of the season...where hope lives and faith abounds.

As we move into the holiday season, I wish you all days filled with laughter, shared happy memories and the creation of new traditions while honoring old ones.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving too!

xoxo,