Thursday, December 17, 2009

Front Line, Photo Elf, Front Line, Usher Elf

Good news folks! Shortcake has licked whatever she had down to just a stuffy nose and occasional cough. It might be that she slept for 8 hours last night. Thank you for all your helpful comments. While Shortcake agrees that an immune system has a purpose and to do its best, it needs to be exposed to germs, she also doesn't want to contaminate the kids who come to visit Santa with her germs. So, Purell wins the day. But Ricolas got pushed to the back seat.

Shortcake started the day a little low on energy (what with not being able to breathe through her nose), so she played mute on the front line, using a stuffed puppy to wave hi to kids and answer questions by nodding. It was a fun way to pass a half hour.

She then went to Photo elf for her favorite Santa. When he does school groups he has a question and answer session with the kids, and answers any and all questions about reindeer or elves or Santa. The most important question is: Is Santa real? To which, Santa responds by holding out a hand and saying "Touch me. I guess I'm real then."

There was one, possibly Italian, little boy who wouldn't sit with Santa, but was fascinated with the bells on Shortcake's hat. Adorable.

After a break, Shortcake was sent back out to the front line. Nothing excited happened, but to demonstrate what she does out there, Shortcake will now answer Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this the line for Santa? Yes. Go right up this ramp.
How long is the line for Santa? 20 minutes. (Or 25 or 30 or whatever)
Can we take pictures with our camera? Yes, but we ask that you keep it to one or two because Santa has so many people to see.
Where is the window to just look at Santa? That's closed this year. There is only one line to see Santa.
Is there anything else to see inside? Yes, a winter wonderland display with ice skating polar bears and skiing penguins and dancing bears and a train display.
How much does it cost? It's free to see Santa.
How much are photos? There are lots of different prices and packages. They'll give you a photo ticket with prices on it.
Is there an age limit? No. No one is too big to visit Santa.
Do I have to sit on his lap? No. You can sit next to him, or just walk by and wave.
Can I bring my stroller in? Please do.
Where's the bathroom? Either on 7 or 9.
What floor are we on now? 8.
Where's the closest women's restroom? Take the down escalator by the wall down one floor, then turn left.
Where are women's coats? To the right.
Where's gift wrap? To the left, by China.
Where are tablecloths? To the left, somewhere by China.
Where's the puppet show? Across from Bridal.
How much is the puppet show? $5 for adults, $2.50 for kids.
When is the puppet show? 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 2:15, 3:15, 4:15, 5:15
Where is HR? In women's coats.
Where is the Santaland exit? In women's coats.
Where is McDonald's? On 7.
Where are the elevators? To the right, around the corner.
Where are the ornaments? On 9. There's an up escalator just past the Marquee.
When is Santa here? 9am-9pm.
What is the last day? Christmas Eve.
What's your name? Shortcake. What's yours?

After lunch Shortcake got to Usher elf in a great house with Teddy Bear and Snickerdoodle. There was one girl who was shy, so Santa pretended to go to sleep, and then wake up. It calmed the girl right down. There were just a lot of really cute kids today, most of whom were perfectly willing to take Shortcake's hand while she led them to the house. Shortcake also ran into about 3 trees and a house, while she was walking backwards, but, then, you know, it's a danger of ushering. There was one little girl who gave Shortcake a hug, and another little boy who gave Shortcake a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

Shortcake has the best job in the world.

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