My kids are so polite right now, they're practically British.

The Tank wants only two things from Santa: a drum and a chocolate present. I suspect Santa will come through. I love watching kids try to be polite this time of year. What a scam! Look at this:



Although we haven't discussed it, I suspect O. knows more than he lets on about the magic of Christmas. In more shocking news, I think he was being nice to his brother when he wrote this. I also think he is wise beyond his years and knows better than to allude to the fact he might not believe in something that results in a huge haul for him. Maybe he's our smartest one.

My brother, who had three older sisters and didn't talk until he was 23 years old, claimed to believe in Santa until last year or so. Santa kept showing up as long as someone believed. My sisters threatened him to within an inch of his life. He had to keep the magic alive! The Tank, I assume, will perform a similar service for his brothers.

Speaking of Christmas traditions and family, my mother had this idiotic idea she wasn't going to have a tree this year. My Dad, not one to argue, told on her. He knew we would fight for him. I called my mom and informed her we wouldn't be coming over on Christmas and wouldn't buy presents for anyone, including my siblings, unless she capitulated. Then I called my sister and told on her. My sister, ever the sarcastic optimist, immediately decided it was all a ruse and mom was actually knocking out the ceiling so we could have an even bigger tree. Then, just in case that theory proved incorrect, she texted Mom,

"Why do you hate the Baby Jesus?"

Yay! We get a tree! I love it when families work together.

Namasté, y'all!