Front line, Photo Elf, Front line

It was the last day of the autism event, and Shortcake was at the front line again. She was there for four hours, but for the last two and a half, she had a helper, Red Elf, who was new, straight from the North Pole, and learning the ropes. Lots of adorable kids coming to see Santa, and a lot of big kids too.

After a 20 minute break, she headed off to Photo for Santa. She had a dance party, showing off her special Shortcake dance to Santa, and her fellow elves showed off their dances too. That's what elves do in the houses when you aren't around. Dance. There was one large group of 16, and a German dad with the sweetest little girl. There was a boy who cried and screamed, and then came back because his little baby brother needed a picture with Santa too. There were some criers today. After 2 hours of that, she was given a lunch break wherein Disney World was discussed, as well as surviving on a deserted tropical island without chapstick. If you were wondering, Shortcake would probably hunt animals to make her own chapstick with animal fat and coconut oil before figuring out how to purify the salt water or build a shelter. Lip balm. It's a necessity.

After lunch Shortcake spent some more time on the front line, and then Santa let her go home an hour early! As a reward for coming in early! YAY!

See you tomorrow after sleeping in!

Front Line & Photo Elf

Lessons learned in Santaland:

When you leave an elf alone at 7:30am in front of Santaland with no one to talk to because the store isn't open yet, do not be surprised when the elf plays with toy cars, bears, toy guns or tops.

If you pull on Santa's beard, he will pull on your hair.

Princesses Don't Need Princes

There was a little girl in line today wearing a blue Cinderella dress, white socks, and blue Cinderella shoes, all clearly bought through the Disney store. When Shortcake asked her if she was waiting for her prince, her mom said no, and then her mom and Shortcake proceeded to riff on how princesses do not need princes to rescue them or to make life better.

Shortcake feels a sense of accomplishment by thwarting misogynistic fairy tales today.

Autism, Photo, Gatekeeper, Santa

After two days off, which, by the by, is not enough time off to recover from Thanksgiving weekend, Shortcake was at work bright and early at 7:30am to work the Autism event. She photo elfed, and saw two families. The first family had a 4 year old on the autism spectrum, an older 8 yr old brother, and a mom. (Ages are approximate.) The 4 year old was a little scared of Santa, but eventually sat on his mom's lap next to Santa while his brother sat on the other side. His mom was thrilled, and he went home happy with a plush Mickey. The brother was actually the inspiring one. He was so patient, and kind and good-natured with his brother. It was clear he felt responsible for taking care of him, helping Mom out. His mom asked Santa for peace for Christmas, and the brother seconded the sentiment. That's what made Shortcake tear up.

The second family had 1 son on the autism spectrum, probably in his teens. He shouted everything he said, and asked for a Care Bears DVD and Ice Age. He gave the biggest smile possible for the camera, and his parents were thrilled. When the Santa elf gave him the plush Mickey to take home, his mom burst into tears.

It was a good event.

Shortcake then proceeded to photo elf (getting many compliments from Santa on getting good pictures of babies. It helps when the parents are quiet, and the kids are only 6 months old. The younger the kid is, the less likely s/he is to be scared.). There were two school groups today. After lunch, she gatekept for awhile. There was one request for Good-Looking Santa, and otherwise it was a good time. Lots of Big Kid Tourists coming to see Santa. Then she Santa elfed for the end of the day, by which point in time, Shortcake's feet hurt, and she just wanted a nap.

The new break and lunch activity is crossword puzzles. A lot of the elves, along with some strawbosses, Santas and managers, get into it, and it's fun to figure it out.

Early bedtime tonight. 7:30am again on Wednesday for an Autism event.

P.S. Special shout-out to ELF's mom. Glad you're enjoying the stories. 24 days until Christmas!

Front Line, Photo Elf, Usher, Freezer

Another long day at Santaland, but a day without long lines, which is great. Shortcake has a new goal for the season - the line never gets past Stroller Alley.

It was a good Photo elf day. Santa even complimented Shortcake for doing a good job, but Santa was kinda rockin' himself. Ushering is always fun, and the last hour as the Freezer just flew by because it's literally a machine with four people working together to take pictures as fast as possible.

However, after working two days, starting each day on crowd control (and lots of cutters today - BOO), and talking incessantly all day, Shortcake has lost her voice. Also, her feet hurt. And she needs to go grocery shopping in order to bring her lunch instead of buying it. She is starting to get a rash on the back of her neck from her smock pulling forward 'cause there's too much stuff in the front pockets. Thank goodness for two days off.

See you Tuesday at 7:30am for the Autism event!

Black Friday

Congratulations to all who survived the day after Thanksgiving! Shortcake had two lovely Thanksgivings, and then went home to rest up for the first day of Santaland.

The big news of the day is.... (drum roll please): We did not have a line longer than 30 minutes to see Santa! ALL DAY! TADA!

This is amazing. Shortcake expected all day lines of 2 hours or longer. Shortcake worked the front line for 3 1/2 hours. People were nice and friendly, and saw Santa quickly. There were carolers and a train conductor. It was a great day.

Then she Photo elfed, Santa elfed, Santa elfed some more, and refilled some button baskets. It was a pretty easy day. Turns out the rhythm to Santa & Photo elfing takes some time to get back, but it'll come. Of course, crowd control just came back naturally. Go figure.

Off to bed to rest up for another exciting day!

P.S. A family changed a boy's diaper while with Santa today. Shortcake couldn't stop it from happening because her back was turned and when she noticed, the boy was already naked and screaming on the mom's lap. And it was a non-English speaking family.

For those planning to visit Santa, changing diapers within Santaland is frowned upon. Please change diapers in designated restrooms. Thank you.

Parade

Happy Thanksgiving! Shortcake spent the day disguised as a human, working crowd control for the Central Park South Grandstands. Once they were filled, she sat in the grandstands and watched the parade. Here are some highlights:
Shortcake wearing her HUGE Macy's jacket and Parade pass. Shortcake sitting at 59th St & 5th Ave at 6am in over overly large jacket.
Kermit. The people pulling Kermit. Big Bird on the Sesame Street float.
The M&M Broadway float. It's a castle on a float. Awesome.
Spongebob Squarepants! He lives in a pineapple under the sea!
It's a pirate ship.
Care Bears! I still have my Share Bear. She was my favorite, along with Bright Hearty Raccoon 'cause they were purple.

Santa's new float!