Today Grandpa and I took Max to Maplewood Mall.
First thing on the agenda was seeing Santa. Max watched in silence as the two boys ahead of us sat on his lap and recited their Christmas lists. Next up: Max's turn. I set him on Santa's lap and stepped back slightly.
Santa: 'How are you Max?'
Max: Looking at his feet in silence.
Santa: 'Have you been a good boy?'
Max: Silence.
Santa:'What do you want Santa to bring you?'
Max: Utter silence!
Santa: 'Would you like me to bring you books?'
Max: Imperceptibly shakes his head no.
Santa: Now talking with a little desperation in his voice, 'How about cars?'
Max: Slightly nods his head.
Santa: Exasperated. 'Is there anything else you want?'
Max: Shyly raises his little hand and points to the suckers sitting in a bowl next to Santa, all the while carefully avoiding eye contact.
Santa: 'Would you like a sucker? Okay. Santa will do his best to bring you something you like for Christmas if you are a good boy.'
Max: Jumps off Santa's lap into Grandpa's arms. When prompted, mouths Thank you.
Well, that went well.
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Next, we stop at Old Navy to let Max buy a ball from the giant gumball machine. We ask him not to bounce it until we get to the play area.
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At Victoria's Secret, a clerk with a measuring tape walks up to us and greets Max by name. LOL! Apparently, babysitter Caitlin and Max are a fixture of some sort at the mall. Grandpa absentmindedly bounces Max's ball, then says to himself, "That was naughty." Max overhears and his bottom lip quivers and is so downturned, that I am afraid he might burst into tears. His eyes well up. We figure out what happened, I take him from Grandpa, and he is feeling fine again. All is forgiven.
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We take Max to the play area, where he sits on Grandpa's lap until he works up the courage to play among the other kids. He spots the kiddy rides set up outside the area, and spends the rest of the time sitting on those while they are not moving. He is happy.
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We leave the mall and stop at the railing on the 2nd floor to say good-bye to Santa in his wonderland on the first floor. As Max looks down, Santa looks up. They make eye contact. Max raises his hand in a wave, and Santa waves back.
