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We've had fun doing holiday stuff with Mina, now that she's a bit older and can appreciate it more. She doesn't know what Christmas is about, or what Santa Claus is about, but knows the words, some of the songs and loves the lights. Actually, her Santa knowledge comes purely from Nightmare Before Christmas, but I digress.
Brian took the day off from work yesterday so that we could go to Bass Pro out at Patriot Place (in Foxboro) to do the santa photo. They do it for free (1 free, additional you have to buy) and they decorate this whole section of the store into a cute 'Winter Wonderland' with kid's craft activities. Plus, it is a giant place with a fish and turtle pond and lots of taxidermy, some of it animated. So basically a big fun place for an almost 2 year old. She was really into the decorations, particularly some animatronic elves with their faces covered (one stuck in the snow with his feet out, one under a gift box). Santa though, she said hi, but was confused when I got close to him. She looked quite skeptical. Then when I told her that she was going to sit on his lap and take a picture, and then I put her on his lap she screamed and looked miserable, reaching for me to take her back. I took her off, thanked him and walked away. Now *he* was trying to hold her there and convince her that it was OK, and it would be over quickly and to just relax and take the picture. The family behind us had one happy kid and one screaming kid for their picture. I don't know, I get that it is a 'thing' for some kids to have documented Santa or Easter Bunny cries but really, who is this about? Why force your kid to do it? She usually has no fear and is quite social. I think the lack of personal space and actually sitting on this complete stranger, not on her terms just didn't make sense to her. As it shouldn't, really! I guess, you only learn by trying, right?
She enjoyed her first candy cane (a small one) which cheered her up, and we carried her around the store for a bit and looked at animals, before she was herself again. Then she proceeded to pick up every stuffed animal, lay on every throw pillow, and sit on and 'drive' every ATV on the premesis. Some friends that live nearby came out to meet us and have dinner at the Olive Garden near by. I know I know, but it was right freaking there. And the girl loves noodles! She made a ginormous mess of herself, but for the most part was very good at the meal. She didn't make a ton of noise (until we were in the bathroom changing her before we left) and she ate very well. Even eggplant! Going out to restaurants with her has been more challenging as she asserts herself and never wants to sit still, but she does love the food and the people. We just have to plan it well so that we can accommodate that.
I am having such a blast doing holiday things with my kid. Since the fall Brian and I have picked up things here and there and put them into a box to wrap up for Xmas and/or her birthday, which is mid-January. I'm looking forward to digging into the box with Brian and wrapping everything. Maybe we'll make some real cocoa this Friday night and once she is in bed make a 'date' of it. :)
Brian took the day off from work yesterday so that we could go to Bass Pro out at Patriot Place (in Foxboro) to do the santa photo. They do it for free (1 free, additional you have to buy) and they decorate this whole section of the store into a cute 'Winter Wonderland' with kid's craft activities. Plus, it is a giant place with a fish and turtle pond and lots of taxidermy, some of it animated. So basically a big fun place for an almost 2 year old. She was really into the decorations, particularly some animatronic elves with their faces covered (one stuck in the snow with his feet out, one under a gift box). Santa though, she said hi, but was confused when I got close to him. She looked quite skeptical. Then when I told her that she was going to sit on his lap and take a picture, and then I put her on his lap she screamed and looked miserable, reaching for me to take her back. I took her off, thanked him and walked away. Now *he* was trying to hold her there and convince her that it was OK, and it would be over quickly and to just relax and take the picture. The family behind us had one happy kid and one screaming kid for their picture. I don't know, I get that it is a 'thing' for some kids to have documented Santa or Easter Bunny cries but really, who is this about? Why force your kid to do it? She usually has no fear and is quite social. I think the lack of personal space and actually sitting on this complete stranger, not on her terms just didn't make sense to her. As it shouldn't, really! I guess, you only learn by trying, right?
She enjoyed her first candy cane (a small one) which cheered her up, and we carried her around the store for a bit and looked at animals, before she was herself again. Then she proceeded to pick up every stuffed animal, lay on every throw pillow, and sit on and 'drive' every ATV on the premesis. Some friends that live nearby came out to meet us and have dinner at the Olive Garden near by. I know I know, but it was right freaking there. And the girl loves noodles! She made a ginormous mess of herself, but for the most part was very good at the meal. She didn't make a ton of noise (until we were in the bathroom changing her before we left) and she ate very well. Even eggplant! Going out to restaurants with her has been more challenging as she asserts herself and never wants to sit still, but she does love the food and the people. We just have to plan it well so that we can accommodate that.
I am having such a blast doing holiday things with my kid. Since the fall Brian and I have picked up things here and there and put them into a box to wrap up for Xmas and/or her birthday, which is mid-January. I'm looking forward to digging into the box with Brian and wrapping everything. Maybe we'll make some real cocoa this Friday night and once she is in bed make a 'date' of it. :)
