Let's talk about mall Santas. To me, they are a very important part of Christmas. They are what every little kid looks forward to at Christmas time - seeing that all important person who knows if they have been naughty or nice through the year. Santa is the person who is always nice to you, even if he's going to leave coal in your stocking :)

When Joey finished school on Wednesday, I decided that we would run to the mall to see Santa. The last time we went it was just too busy, so I figured that right after school shouldn't be too bad. I was right! We went up and decided what picture package we were going to get and then waited for a minute to see the Big Guy. When we got up there, he didn't want to see the kids. Joey didn't want to go near him, and Santa didn't want to hold Chris. I finally got Joey to sit on his lap, although he wouldn't smile, and told Santa that I needed him to hold Chris so I could have a pic. When they were both sitting there, looking miserable, Santa looked at me and said "has this one been good?", talking about Joey. That was it. No "what do you want for Christmas, little boy?" or "Hohoho". Talk about disappointment. The picture was taken, and it probably sucked, then Santa had a coughing fit. He pushed Joey off his lap, good thing I had already taken Chris, shoved a candy cane at him and that was it. Afterwards, Joey asked me why Santa was so mean to him since he had been such a good boy. I had to explain to him that sometimes the real Santa is just too busy getting ready for Christmas that he has to send a helper Santa to see the kids. This helper Santa just didn't have any Christmas spirit and didn't want to be there. I'll say it like it is - he REALLY SUCKED!!!!!

Anyways, you all know me and how I like to complain if I get crappy service. So what did I do? I came home and emailed the mall to tell them what happened, and how I was extremely unhappy with this Santa. The next day I got a call from the people who run the Santa Shack (as I call it!) saying how disappointed they were that I had a bad experience and that they wanted me to come back for retakes. I said only if there's a better Santa - and was told that there would be! The Santa that we saw was gone! GOOD!!! It made me wonder how many other people had complained, and how many other kids really questioned Santa.

So last night we wandered out to the mall again to have the pictures retaken. This time, Santa was wonderful! He talked away to Joey and Joey even smiled for the picture! The photographer remembered me and was really great! She asked if I wanted to see the picture so I knew what I was getting, then decided it wasn't good enough (I didn't notice Santa had closed his eyes!), and apologized about the last time we were in. So now I get to go to the mall again to pick up the pictures.... and this time I can't wait! I just know that this time it will be great :)

What have we learned today - that it pays to complain. If you don't let people know that you're not happy, how are they supposed to know that they suck? I have absolutely no problem letting people know, and I've come to understand that companies like to hear when things are crappy. It helps them to provide service for other customers, and provides me with some little extra benefits along the way! This year we've had free diapers from Pampers because a box that I bought leaked, family pricing on furniture, free dinners, and now - free Santa pics! It definetly pays to complain. Remember - these companies want you back because you'll spend more money :)

And that's it for today boys and girls. Remember to be good because those creepy little elves are apparently always watching you... so don't pick your nose :)

3 more sleeps!