Ana and I went to visit Santa at Washington Square Mall today. Ana was so very excited to tell him exactly what she wanted for Christmas: a purple bike… with streamers… and a bell… and a little basket to put things in. More specifically, this. She got a little nervous when it was actually time to sit on his lap. It didn’t help that the two kids before us burst into tears when their mom asked them to sit on his lap. One child even refused to walk past Santa to get to the exit. So I saw Ana hesitating and explained that she didn’t have to sit on his lap, we could just talk to him if she preferred. She decided that was a good idea, after all, she did want to make sure he knew what she wanted for her Christmas present this year! Trying to prevent the situation with the previous children, Santa promptly handed Ana a candy cane. Then realizing he gave up his bargaining piece too soon he quickly bribed her with a second candy cane to come stand beside him. The photographer snapped a few pictures and then out of no where, Santa leaned over, picked up Ana, and set her on his lap. Ana’s face turned to fear, and for a second I thought she was going to cry, but then she realized she was actually fine and the worst was over. So she hammed it up and gave us a pretty adorable little smile. If you look closely, you can see the mixed emotions in her smile, but she sat on Santa’s lap. And that is all that matters.