Oliver,

You love Christmas time; all the lights, presents, family and friends. One thing you do not like about Christmas is meeting Santa. Looking at him from afar, sure, but sitting on his lap is not something you enjoy. We were hopeful for this year.

We went to the San Diego Botanic Gardens right as it opened for their holiday event. We walked up to the top of the hill where the Santa signs directed us to meet the big guy. We arrive, no one there, not even Santa. We were first in line and as others joined the line, we found out Santa would be there soon. You were excited for him to arrive, but you started to get nervous when he came on his sleigh (aka golf cart). As he sat down, your grip tightened on Mom and as we walked up to Santa, you kept saying you didn’t want to sit on his lap. You said you wanted to just stand next to him as you continued to hang on to Mom for safety. Santa was cool, he sensed your nervousness and asked for a simple high-five and then a fist bump. He broke through your barriers and you let go of Mom and sat on his lap. He asked if you if you had been a good boy this year and what you wanted for Christmas. You wouldn’t smile for a picture, but you weren’t crying when you sat with him, so overall it was a success. Merry Christmas and be sure to leave some cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve for when he visits!