Christmas Wrap-Up 2010 (Get it, wrap-up?)

I've been learning a lot about how to create a hypothesis on SesameStreet.org. I find this scientific method fascinating and keep playing it over and over. So, I thought I would create my own experiment to see if Santa really came and visited on Christmas Eve.

First, I left cookies and apple cider for Santa. My hypothesis is that when I wake up on Christmas morning, there will be fewer cookies on the plate and less cider in the mug.

Then, I took a break to explain to my little sister Georgie who Santa is and what he does on Christmas Eve. She found it really interesting. Then we went outside and sprinkled some reindeer food - which includes oatmeal, cranberries, glitter, and a bit of magic. Mommy added some extra magic from her stash in the kitchen. Then we went to sleep.

Then I woke up at 4:45am to see if Santa had arrived, but Mommy wouldn't let me go into the other room. She insisted that if I left the bedroom, the gifts magically disappear. They only stay if I sleep a little while longer. So at 6:15am, I bugged her again, and she said it was okay to get up. But she didn't seem super thrilled. This is what I saw! I think Mom and Dad were expecting me to yell and scream and jump around. It was all so overwhelming, I just stood there and stared. Then Mom mentioned the plate and the mug, and went to check out if my hypothesis was right.

It was. My hypothesis was correct - and he even left a thank you note! And I got a dollhouse, and a jump rope, and some new food for Sadie's Diner, and a Strawberry Shortcake matching game, and Hello Kitty lip balm that tastes like marshmallows... and ......

Dear Santa,

I know we've had a bit of an odd relationship. I love you... I really do. But your beard kinda freaks me out. So when your postcard came, I wasn't sure I wanted Mom to read it to me. At the same time, I know you are a really great guy who does a lot of stuff for a lot of kids. And last year, you stopped by and left presents. And you even ate the cookies I left for you!



But I didn't see you. (For the record, I wear a nightgown now. Last year, I didn't bother.)

BUT, I still think you are pretty cool. So I always make sure to wave to you when I'm at the mall. And I was really surprised when you came driving down my street on the fire truck. (Sidenote: Could you turn down the sirens next time? The lights are pretty, but the noise is a bit much for my taste.)

Anyway, I hope it isn't too late to ask for something for Christmas. There's really only one thing I really want, and I'm willing to share it with my sister Georgina. I'd like real estate. Not like Mom and Dad have, but the kid kind. I'm looking for a 2 story, 2 bedroom, 1 bath colonial dollhouse. I'll put it in a nice neighborhood. I promise. It doesn't have to be furnished - I'm looking to make it my own.

Thanks Santa! Can't wait to track you on NORAD this year!
Love,
SadieBug (Big Sister of Georgie Bee)

The Easter Bunny and Santa Claus make me nervous.

We don't see each other except once a year, so when I come face to face with the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus, I get a little scared. I want them to like me, and I want to like them. Plus, both of them give me stuff while I'm sleeping - so I try to make a good impression.

That puts a lot of pressure on a little kid.


When we first sat down at the restaurant, I scoped the place out for Mr. Bunny. But I didn't see him. Then I really thought about it. And big questions popped into my head.

Did the Easter Bunny have the same high expectations as Santa? Does he keep a list of who is good and who isn't? Had I really been good enough to earn candy and goodies? Then I started to get really worried. I thought about all the times I threw a Little Person across the room - particularly when it was Baby Jesus. And when I pulled off my Pull-Up without telling Daddy and hid it in another room. Then there was the time that I went into the refrigerator and pulled all of the packaged sliced cheese out of the little plastic covers, and left them for Mommy to find in strange corners of the family room. It occurred to me that I might be in real trouble when it comes to Mr. Bunny. And do Mr. Bunny and Santa talk? Because if they do....

Then I made eye contact with the Easter Bunny and he gave me some candy. That's when I realized we were cool.

*Phew*

I've got my Reindeer Food!

I've got cookies, and a special plate. I've got some milk. I think I have everything ready for Christmas Eve. I was a little worried all of this snow might throw Santa's plans off, but Mommy said that the North Pole has lots of snow, and that Santa and his staff of reindeer are fully prepared for these kinds of situations. She said that Santa always made it to Cleveland, and they get lots and lots of snow all the time.

I've also tried to express my admiration for Rudolph. This is my Post-Modern artistic representation of Rudolph, particularly his lovely red nose.

And in case I don't have a chance to wish you all a Merry, Merry Christmas... I made this video (with Mommy's help).

On a Candy Cane Scale of 1 to 10...

... measuring my excitement of Santa's visit and the entire holiday season, I'm at about a 15 (gazillion!) I've even eaten all the candy canes that I can reach on the tree. They were yummy!

DANCE BREAK!!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I've Grown Wings!

Well, not really... these are my fairy wings, but for now I'm using them as angel wings for Christmas. Lately, I've had a thing for Christmas Eve on Sesame Street and the song "Keep Christmas With You." It's really old (1978) and Mommy said she and Uncle Eric and Uncle Bryce grew up watching it.

I've even tried to do a little sign language like the other little kids. It's looks easier than it really is. But I do sing along. I have a hard time with the high note though. But really, who doesn't?

At the same time, I must emphasize to Santa that I've been really, really, really good this year. So, I hope he will consider the breakdown of gifts to be like this. That's Mom's stocking, then Dad's.... then mine. I think that's fair.

I'm tracking Santa!!!

Google is awesome! Apparently, they know Santa too and they gave him a GPS tracker so I know where he's giving gifts. You can follow him too! There's even a Santa-cam! Click here and everyone around the world can see where he is. But Mommy reminded me of Santa's rules. If I'm awake, he doesn't drop off gifts. I must be technically asleep for the gift-giving to occur.

I saw Santa!!!

We have a really great Volunteer Fire Department. Mommy said they know Santa really well, so every year, Santa makes a visit. She didn't tell me HOW he makes his visit. I was asleep last year, and I didn't know the whole story on this Santa guy.

Well, the Volunteer Fire Department gets in touch with Santa, and they get all of their trucks and then when it is really dark outside (around 7pm).... they LIGHT THEM UP AND HAVE A PARADE!!! They go up and down the streets making a whole lotta noise. So, we went to our front porch and waved. A fireman gave me a candy cane and Santa waved at me from on top of the fire truck. It was awesome. I'm such a lucky kid.


Dear Santa,

Thanks for stopping by. I like my candy cane. Mommy said not to play, wear, or eat any of my gifts until I send a thank you note. Thank you.

Love,

Dear Santa....

I'm not the only one who finds you intimidating. Check out these kids.

Maybe you should shave.

Love,

Sadiebug

Dear Santa,

I know it looks like I have a lot of toys from this perspective. But I'm a busy kid who likes to learn a lot. If it isn't too much trouble... I'd love some new crayons for Christmas. Oh, and Edison Jackson Bear, IV would like Candy Land. He heard it's a fun game.

Love,

Sadie and Edison Jackson Bear, IV

P.S. We had a lot of fun giving other little kids toys at the Toys For Tots. Sorry if I was a bit shy. You can be intimidating in person.

Awww... man...

I'm too big for this outfit! It only goes up to sizes 9-12 months... But if Santa needed a few little helpers, I'm there. Even if I don't get to wear this outfit. Maybe I could just pull out my Leprechaun outfit.... it's in Christmas colors.

Dear Santa,

I've heard you are really influential in the toddler age group. I know Christmas is coming up and that you are currently writing you NAUGHTY and NICE list. I'd like to point out that I've really tried to be a good kid this year. I'm friendly, open to new people, and I share. But when I go to Storytime at the library, I notice that some kids aren't like this. I find it sad. They grab other kid's toys and don't care what other people think.

Their Mommy and Daddy don't teach them manners, or how to get along with other people. My Mommy says that manners show that you care about people. But she also said that some parents don't think that's very important. It's a priority in our family. She said some parents can get lazy, and don't teach their kids how to be nice.

So, Santa, the reason I'm writing is to ask you to look at your NAUGHTY and NICE list, and make sure everyone is where they should be. Mommy calls it karma, I just think it's important to be fair.

Love,
Sadiebug