Durham Santa

The outrageous prices (and lines) for visiting the mall Santa quickly crossed that to-do item off my Christmas list this year.  Neither Brady or I were too torn up about not getting a picture with Santa, but when an almost free Durham kid's event popped up that we were available for, we (ok I) decided to go.

During this event, kids could get their picture taken with Santa.  The squash court in the Durham Rec Center was transformed into the North Pole (admittedly a bit of a low-budget operation) with Santa waiting.  I came in with low expectations about getting a good picture, especially after seeing many cowering toddlers hide behind their mother's legs when prodded forward.  I should have known that my social butterfly would not be phased by the jolly man with the funny hat and long beard.  Brady is very into high-fives right now, and Santa was a benefactor.

Hard to tell in this action shot, but this is an aggressive high-five....he's got the leg kick and the cocked arm working.

"Should I, Mom?"

"Hmm, what do I want for Christmas?"

Back for more high-fives

"I'll just sit here and we'll make a day of it."

Santa was not the only one getting high-fives.  Brady found another friend in the squash court and was chasing her around.  Brady goes for the older woman, of course.

When we were getting ready to leave, we saw Santa Claus wondering around in the hall.  He came up Brady and started talking to him.  Let's just say it was not a "Santa" voice, and there were definitely no "ho ho ho's."  I'm all about breaking the myth that Santa is a plump, old, Caucasian man and what better way to do it than in Durham with a skinny, young, Hispanic Santa.