My daughter told me a wonderfully funny story about her two girls (my adorable and inventive granddaughters) that I just had to share for this holiday season. It went something like this:
Sarah and her thirteen-year-old sister, Hannah, had been fighting a lot this year. This happens when you combine a headstrong twoyear-old, who is sure that she is always right, with a young adolescent.
Sarah's parents, trying to take advantage of her newfound interest in Santa Claus, reminded the two-year-old that Santa was watching and doesn't like it when children fight. This had little impact.
"I'll just have to tell Santa about your misbehavior," the mother said as she picked up the phone and dialed.
Sarah's eyes grew big as her mother asked, "Mrs. Claus," (really Sarah's aunt; Santa's real line was busy) if she could put Santa on the line. Sarah's mouth dropped open as Mom described to Santa (Sarah's uncle) how the two-year-old was acting. But, when Mom said that Santa wanted to talk to her, she reluctantly took the phone.
Santa, in a deepened voice, explained to her how there would be no presents Christmas morning to children who fought with their sisters. He would be watching, and he expected things to be better from now on.
Sarah, now even more wide-eyed, solemnly nodded to each of Santa's remarks and silently hung the phone up when he was done. After a long moment, Mom (holding in her chuckles at being so clever) asked, "What did Santa say to you, sweetie?"
In almost a whisper, Sarah sadly but matterof-factly stated, "Santa said he won't be bringing any toys to my sister this year."
I could hardly stop laughing to write this down when my daughter told me this story. Going through all of that scheming and then getting such an unexpected response makes for a great memory, one I'm sure she'll pass on to HER granddaughters. I guess sometimes the "twos" aren't so terrible after all!
Kudos to my granddaughter Sarah for outwitting them all. I'm sure Santa will still see to it that she gets everything she hoped for.
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