Santa visit + an Old Navy giveaway

We’ve been looking forward to this all year: our annual visit to Macy’s to see Santa Claus. I’ve been bringing my kids to Macy’s since Lauren was 11 months old, making it 6 years running. And although there are plenty of options to see Santa in New York, you can’t beat this production. It’s over the top, from the life-sized toy trains, to the Nutcracker dancing bears. So each year, we brave the crowds and head up to 34^th Street to experience a little Christmas miracle of our own.

Sam was pensive before our visit.

ME: What’s up?

SAM: Are we going to Santa’s office?

ME: Yes.

SAM: Is Santa mad at me?

ME: Why are you asking that?

SAM: Because you were mad at me yesterday.

ME: Why did I get mad at you?

SAM: Because I was sitting on Emma.

ME: Santa probably wouldn’t like that. But I don’t think he’s going to be mad at you. What are you going to ask Santa for?

SAM: Transformers.

ME: What else?

SAM: Um, uh, Flashlight Friends?

ME: Is there anything else? I think you had a list, right? Here it is. You listed Transformers, Optimus Prime, Autobot, a Helmet, Thundercracker, Flashlight Friend, and a penguin.

SAM: And chocolate.

ME: Perfect, what do you think he’s going to say?

SAM: Um, I’m mad at you?

After promising that Santa wouldn’t be mad at him, we had a quick lunch at home. Midway through lunch Sam panicked that he’d forgotten to add Pete The Cat to his list. So he found higher ground and yelled to Santa that he also wanted “Pete the Cat Saves Christmas.”

I reminded him that we were heading up to Santa’s office shortly and that he could pass on the message in person.

So we bundled up and hit the road.

A code red emergency arose when we passed our neighborhood mannequin store and Emma had to tell the prop stylist about her new Old Navy cat shoes. Sam likewise wanted her to know about his candy cane.

In all of the excitement around the candy cane, Sam ripped open the wrapper and bit off a chunk, forgetting that he was planning to save the candy cane for Santa.

Matters got worse in the subway station; Sam was horrified when I stepped on the yellow line to take his picture. Lauren was shocked to see a man walk in between the subway cars while we were moving.

But at last we arrived at Macy’s. (Here’s a little behind-the-scenes footage thanks to their floor-to-ceiling mirrors; doesn’t it look like I’m floating above my boots? It’s like Halloween meets Christmas.)

Mrs. Claus was thrilled when Emma told her that she looks just like Maureen O’Hara. She then gave the kids a bear hug and sent them on their merry way.

And merry it was. Traveling through Santaland is almost more fun than seeing the big man himself.

Almost…

Santa will always be the main event. Emma couldn’t contain herself. “Merry Christmas Santa!” she yelled as the family ahead of us finished up.

And for the first time ever, my own little Christmas wish came true: not a tear in sight.

Even when this happened:

Poor guy. I would have been likewise confused if a shiny ball had been waved in my face. But Sam cheered right up when we got back on the subway and he got his very own breakdance performance.

I love New York. Especially during the holidays, there isn’t a place I’d rather be. Magic around every corner.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and getting all of their shopping done.

And on the topic of shopping, I saved the best news for last: I’m hosting an Old Navy giveaway this week, just in time for Christmas. Our guys were thrilled to visit Santa in their new Old Navy outfits. If you’re a fan of Old Navy like we are, you won’t want to miss this one.

Details

One lucky reader will win an Old Navy giveaway package, including a $100 dollar Old Navy gift card, Navy and cream canvas tote (please note, this bag is not Old Navy branded product), Red plaid fleece blanket, Black sparkle knit scarf, and Black sparkle knit fingerless gloves. A $175 value.

This giveaway is open to Canadian + US residents only and will end on 12/24/2013 at 11:59PM EST. PLEASE NOTE, that due internet connectivity while traveling this week, the end time was changed from Dec 24 at 12:00PM ET to Dec 24 at 11:59PM ET . This change was made on Dec 17, 2013. 

I will choose the winner using Rafflecopter, which draws a winner at random. I will contact you via email and you will have 72 hours to respond with your contact information or I will then choose a new winner. NOTE: Given holiday schedules, the item will be shipped on Jan 2, 2014.

Click this link to enter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Old Navy. With the exception of outerwear, all clothing provided by Old Navy. Content developed and opinions expressed are my own.