Santa Is Not in the North Pole

Contrary to popular belief, Santa does not live in the North Pole.  

He lives in New York City, because really, it is the most exciting place to be at Christmas.  Why would Santa want to hang out with a bunch of polar bears, when you can have this place as your home base:

Eliza will tell you that to get the new North Pole, you only need to take two subways:

And make sure everyone on the subway knows what you want from Santa, just in case they would like to get you a Wii:

Instead of navigating snowy footpaths to Santa's house, you just have to make your way through the evening commuters at the 34th Street station:

And that's where you find Santa's house:

First, it is important to check out how Santa has decorated his house at Macy's:

Make sure everyone in your family has their reindeer antlers on:

Be nice to Santa's elves and give them a thumbs up:

It is important to give your list some serious thought, in case there are last minute revisions:

Double check that you family elves are looking cheery for Santa:

Try to act sincere and deserving while Santa is reading your list:

Explain in detail what a Wii is to Santa:

Approach Santa with reverence:

Explain the whole Wii thing again just in case he didn't get it the first time:

And then act pleased as punch when he tells you that you have been good and this might result in a Wii being delivered to your apartment, via the fire escape, which frankly is far safer for Santa than squeezing down a chimney:

Be sure to explain to Super Pete what a Wii is so that he can help you play with it:

And last, but not least, eat a dirty water hot dog from a street vendor to bring your Mama the best Christmas present since you were born:

And that my friends is how we find Santa in New York City!

Eliza's Relationship with Santa

2006:   Fits in the palm of Santa's hand:

2007:   Deer in the headlights:

2008:  Abject terror and she leaps from Santa's lap (scaring the bejesus out of Santa):


2009:  Starting to think this isn't so bad, but certainly not talking to Santa:

2010:  Quite thrilled with the old guy and even chatted it up with Santa:




And an added bonus for 2010, the Richter Cousins in their Ugly Sweaters:

2011:  The dynamic changed.

Eliza realized that Santa was the key to getting a Wii, and World Peace.

She was very big on World Peace and repeatedly pointed out to Santa that this was an excellent gift, because she loves everyone and everyone should love each other, right?

Luckily for us there was NO ONE at Santaland (I am not revealing our secret since next year the whole world will be there).  So Eliza had a bit of time to chat things up with Santa, explain what a Wii was, give him a hug, point out that she was wearing Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer antlers (surely another reason for Santa to bring her a Wii), and even give him a few kisses.  Eliza also decided to give him a thumbs up (over and over again).  Anyone who is familiar with Sonic the Hedgehog, knows that this is a classic Sonic move.  Clearly Eliza was reinforcing the idea that a Wii with a Sonic game would be the best Christmas present ever.

The Richter Family photo expanded this year to include Peter, Dana, Matthew and Adriana.  A good Santa crew!

We splurged and paid the extra $10 for the family photo in front of the trees.  The elves get very testy when you try to take your own photo in front of the special Santa trees.

We capped the evening off with a pedicab ride.... but that is a whole other saga for another post.