Putting in a Good Word with Santa

It would be ridiculous to go all the way to the North Pole without spending some time with Jolly Old St. Nick. After mailing Christmas cards from the North Pole Post Office, we took a quick drive to Santa Claus Lane before turning onto St. Nicholas Drive. Since 1952, the Santa Claus House has been a year-round attraction for families and kids of all ages. The grounds include a 40-foot Santa, live reindeer (I'm pretty sure we saw Donner and Blitzen), nearby ice sculptures, and picture-taking opportunities in Santa's sleigh.

The House itself offers an extensive assortment of Christmas decor, ornaments, and collectibles. But the featured attraction, of course, is Santa Claus himself and the opportunity to make one last appeal for a dream-filled stocking on Christmas morning. Naturally, I sat on Santa's lap and also put in a good word for our kids. Santa was charming and jovial and asked where we were from. I told him we live in Hayden, Idaho, and asked him if he knew where that is. He laughed and said, "Of course! I go there every year." Whew!