Hatching my latest scheme: This time, I get Santa kicked out of the mall

You could call this, “the day Santa got booted from the mall.” In this case, Santa was me. And I actually got booted from the sidewalk in front of the mall. But the fact of the matter remains. It all began the Saturday afternoon of Thanksgiving weekend, and the parking lot at the local mall … More Hatching my latest scheme: This time, I get Santa kicked out of the mall

She found coal in her stocking Christmas morning — I must’ve had rocks in my head

“If you’re not good, Santa is going to leave coal in your stocking!” Sure, we’ve all heard it. Said it. Understand the implications of the threat. But have you ever gotten a firsthand eyeful of what happens when this nightmare becomes reality for a child on Christmas morning? Sure, it had been a little rougher … More She found coal in her stocking Christmas morning — I must’ve had rocks in my head

This year’s Santa Claus: Hoping her beliefs evolve – not vanish

To believe, or not to believe. Last year, we wondered if it was the last Christmas for Santa Claus with Young Daughter. It’s bittersweet, since she’s been a fervent believer since she could recognize the jolly old fellow. We’ve watched the Polar Express the past few years, hoping it will ease the transition. I tell … More This year’s Santa Claus: Hoping her beliefs evolve – not vanish

For grown-up and kids, Santa’s true home lies between the manger and the mall — deep in our hearts

Last week, we had one of those “Yes, Virginia” moments. Knew it would happen eventually. Standing in the supermarket aisle, she turns to me and asks, “Is Santa Claus real?” I wondered if she intentionally phrased the question that way. It wasn’t the standard believe-don’t believe inquiry. Still, my immediate thought was that this would … More For grown-up and kids, Santa’s true home lies between the manger and the mall — deep in our hearts

Pink goblets, Princesses and beautiful ringlets: A time to remember

There aren’t many occasions where you find yourself spending the evening with a plastic goblet in your pocket — and your pocket is in the slacks of the suit you’re wearing. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. The plastic goblet was grabbed early in the evening of my daughter’s Princess Ball, … More Pink goblets, Princesses and beautiful ringlets: A time to remember

Jimmy Stewart meets Josie Wales: Gratitude from the depths of our souls

It’s a good thing I don’t get paid for writing this blog, because I’d be making about as much as I am right now on extended unemployment benefits. Ta-dum-dum. That was supposed to be funny. Humorous. Amusing. Anyway, I’ve written two columns over the past 6 or so weeks and really didn’t like either of … More Jimmy Stewart meets Josie Wales: Gratitude from the depths of our souls