You better watch out. Santa.

Tis the season for lights and cookies and trees and Santa! Last week we drove our kids down to a fancy upscale outdoor mall to see the schmancy Santa. He was okay. The tree was gorgeous but the mall photographer had clearly not completed her elf training.

A couple days later we went to our friend's pet store Christmas party. This Santa was a gentle, sweet man. Perfect!

(Side note, you should absolutely shop here is you have pets...they are fantastic.
​http://woodinyoupamperedpaws.com)

I even got my photo in with this guy. I like Santa. I love the jolly cheer. I like to tell my girls about the first Santa, St. Nicholas and how much he loved Jesus. No Jesus, no Santa.

The next day we went on an adventure down reindeer avenue. It was fun, but a story for another day. However, there was another Santa! This one has been watching his carbs and working out because he was skiiiiiny.

The next day I had the following conversation with my youngest.

4 yr old: Mom. There are three Santas. Two are the same. One was different.

Me: Hmmmmm

4 yr old: I'm keeping my eye on him.

Smart girl, little cynical but smart. I'm glad she's watching and careful with her heart. After I quit laughing we had a chat about how Santa probably has lots of helpers and how Santa is for fun.

I do want to warn her about Santa theology. You know....where people mix up Santa with Jesus? Think through this.

Santa keeps a naughty and nice list, Jesus sacrificed himself to make relationships possible for everyone. Santa gives you what you ask for, Jesus gives what is best. Santa is fun, Jesus is forever.

My daughter is keeping her eye on Santa. She is watching to see if he disappoints. As she grows up, I'm praying she'll turn those eyes to the real giver of gifts. For He has His eyes on her.