Last night we visited Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo. They do this every year, and we love going to see the lights, the model trains, and Santa. The challenge is always to get there at dark so we can see the lights best, but not too late, since Cordy is nearly always asleep by 7pm.

Cordy is beginning to understand the concepts of Santa and presents and Christmas this year, and to help her along we’ve been throwing every book, visual aid, and DVD at her. She now knows who Santa is, and she loves to talk about meeting him. I never imagined I’d have to force the Santa myth on my kid, going out of my way to indoctrinate her.

So naturally we talked a lot about Santa on our drive to the zoo last night. “Do you want to see Santa?” we asked her.

“Yes! We’ve got to go save Santa!” (I knew we should have laid off the Mickey Saves Santa TV episode we Tivo’d.)

“No, not save Santa, go see Santa. Will you give him a big hug?”

“Yes!”

“Will you sit on his lap and tell him what you want for Christmas?”

“Yes! A magic wand!” (Not sure why, but that’s all she wants for Christmas. We’re still trying to figure out if she means a fairy-type magic wand or a magician-type magic wand.)

Now, she has yet to ever enjoy seeing Santa. Each year’s pictures show an unhappy Cordy next to a very patient Santa. Let’s review, shall we?

The only reason she’s smiling is because I’m there and she’s not looking at Santa. She’s still plotting her escape. (Can you tell I didn’t plan on being in the pic?)

Actively trying to escape.

But this is the first year she understands who he is and now he’s like some rockstar with his present-bestowing abilities.

We loaded up the stroller and made a beeline for Santa when we got to the zoo. Better to get there before the crowds, in case Cordy needs time to warm up to Santa. We walked into the building, and there he was, surrounded by giant candy canes and greenery. Cordy was practically buzzing with excitement. I let her out of the stroller and took her hand as she dragged me into the line.

Waiting was tough. There were only three families in front of us, but Cordy wanted to be there! with Santa! NOW! I held her back as she kept trying to run up the ramp, yelling “Look, it’s Santa! And candy canes!” We were roughly six steps away from Santa, and that distance was killing her.

The elf standing guard at the head of the line smiled at her enthusiasm. “I think she’s the first one tonight to be excited to see Santa!” she laughed.

“Wait and see,” I replied with the sage wisdom of a parent.

Finally, it was our turn. I released my grip on her and said, “OK, go see Santa!”

She took off up the ramp, then about two steps from Santa stopped cold. And wouldn’t budge an inch closer to the fat man.

Or look at him.

Or breathe.

She was a statue of a child. I think she was trying to blend in with her surroundings.

I looked back and gave the elf an I told you so smile.

“Go see Santa,” I urged, and tried to nudge her gently towards him. “You’ve been wanting to meet him and hug him, remember?”

She gave him a quick, corner of her eye glance. “NOOOOOO!” she cried and ran down the exit ramp, away from her rockstar hero. She wouldn’t come back towards him, although she did try to steal one of his giant decorative candy canes before she left.

Ah well. At least we got a picture with Mira.

She’s not impressed. Next year, she’ll be screaming, too.

The Good: At the Hanukkah gathering for Aaron’s family last night, Cordy got lots of great presents, including musical instruments. These included a set of maracas, a tambourine, and a triangle. She loves musical instruments, and went nuts with these new noise makers.

The Bad: Did I mention they make noise? Lots of noise? But she loves them, and I want to encourage a love of music, right?

The Ugly: “Take the instruments to bed, mommy? Carry them to my bed?” I can’t say no – I mean, she was so good at the family gathering, so I can’t refuse this little request.

Then, at 4am: DING! DING! RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE! CLINK-a CLINK-a CLINK!

Ugh.

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PS – New reviews up over at Mommy’s Must Haves. See my reviews of a cool reading light for the car, and the ultimate family calendar/organziation system!