Santa @ Phipps, Take Two

Last night was our big appointment with Santa at Phipps. In case you didn't know, the Santa at Phipps Plaza is kind of a big deal around these parts. He is THE Santa to go to in Atlanta. If you don't believe me, check his schedule. He's all booked up and has been for weeks. (I would say "months," but the appointment calendar didn't open until October 15.)

Yes, I was one of the many moms who stayed up until midnight on that fateful night to book our Santa appointment online. We were in Maine at the time, so you can picture the scene: a dark hotel room in Freeport, Kate and Tanna asleep, me sitting up in bed on Tanna's laptop, my finger poised and ready to go, just waiting for the right moment to click "submit." And ... BINGO! ... I got it. LOL! I am laughing at the whole concept, really. But I really was glad to get an appointment. I don't know why, but I like to wait until December for our big Santa date. I guess so it seems more like the Christmas season. Also, we aren't too far from the mall, and it is convenient for us to go on a weeknight, so we do. I figure the peeps who live OTP (that's "outside the perimeter" ... as in 285) need the coveted weekend spots more than we do. That's our little Christmas gift to them. HAHAHAHA! I hope you faithful readers know I am kidding.

OK, so basically, Santa at Phipps books up soon after the appointments become available. And there is a waiting list. Just so you know, he is pretty popular. (BTW, don't try to sell your appointment on eBay--you could end up on Santa's bad list if you do! Be ye warned.)

So last night, we get there. Kate is all dolled up in her adorable little black velvet Christmas dress with the red plaid trim and matching hairbow. We wait in line a little longer than last year, but maybe we got there a little early? I'm not sure. (You are asked to arrive about 15 minutes prior to your appointment time--kind of like the doctor's office. That sort of stuff gets on my nerves (not just at Santa, but everywhere). I mean, if you want me to show up 15 minutes earlier, then why don't you make my appointment for THAT time? But I digress.)

As we wait, I am all paranoid about Kate's hairbow falling out, her nose getting snotty, her black dress getting linty. As I stand there with a lint roller in my hand--no, I am not kidding--I realize I have turned into one of THOSE moms. Seriously, earlier in the afternoon, I was wondering what Santa would be wearing. (He has different outfits, and there is one vest in particular I wasn't too keen on.) Fortunately, my husband just rolls his eyes for the most part. I think he knows better than to stir up any trouble before the big Santa moment. What is the matter with me--I mean, it is only Santa, right? HA!

Well, Kate's Santa moment came and went. She cried. We kind of figured she would. Santa was patient with her, and she actually calmed down a little after a minute or two. He talked to her and read over her Christmas list, which was similar to last year's. On it were "for more people to receive Christ" and "for everyone to have a Merry Christmas." Something along those lines--I'm sure you get the idea. Santa was so sweet and said some very kind things to Kate about the true meaning of Christmas. I also remember something about the "terrible twos." LOL!

The good thing is ... you get to take your own pictures (sans flash). The bad thing is ... you don't get to see your "official" pic before placing your order. The photographer actually took a few pictures of Kate. I think he was trying to get one where she wasn't crying. Who knows what it will look like. A lady there told me it would go out in the mail on Thursday. (They mail you your order.)

This year, I was sure to order the DVD. I didn't last year, and I really regret it. Yes, the folks at Phipps will record your visit each year, which is really cool. In years past, it was available on VHS, and you could add to your tape each year. This may be the last year for that, if they are still doing the VHS thing.

Anyway, I can't wait to see what we get in the mail.

P.S. You can read about our 2007 Santa experience here.

P.P.S. This is an excellent article about some of the Atlanta Santas (including Santa Johnny, the man who is the current Santa at Phipps). I read it last year and just loved it!

Here are a few more photos from last night:


Walking through the mall ...


Who are you?


A little calmer now ...


After our Santa moment, we ran into some friends who had just arrived for their appointment.


Before we left, I tried to get Kate's picture by some of the mall's fancy Christmas decorations, but she didn't want to be still for very long.


She loved seeing her reflection in these big ornaments.


See?

Merry Christmas! Ho! Ho! Ho!