Santa

For the past couple of years, Samuel has asked Stephen & I if Santa is real.  We have kept Santa's spirit alive through painstaking measures.  This past Christmas, Samuel was so skeptical that he asked for Santa's autograph and left a camera out on Christmas Eve for Santa to take a self-portrait.  The signature was not a problem and we suggested that Santa didn't know how to use our camera very well...

Samuel was really impressed with the picture and looked convinced, but...

This morning Samuel told me that he knew that we acted the part of Santa.  I asked him how he knew this and he said, "Because there were no little white hairs from his beard on the cookie plate."  He then thanked me for all of the presents we have gotten him in the name of Santa.  I asked him if he was a little upset, but he said, "not at all."

Being 9 years old and starting his transition out of "kiddom," I do wonder if he is a little bit sad that the "Santa" part of his childhood is over....I know I am.