Surrey with the Fringe on Top

It was a cold, cloudy afternoon here. Really, the only thing missing was SNOW! After living in North Carolina for ten years now, it is still so puzzling to me to have to pick out a Christmas tree when there isn't a flake of snow on the ground! Somehow, in warm weather or cold, the Christmas spirit prevails!

Many of the stores scheduled holiday open houses this weekend, and one shopping center nearby was even offering horse-drawn carriage rides and photos with Santa Claus. The Little Nguyens were itching to experience some of the holiday fun, so we bundled up and ventured out. Neither Chi nor I were too keen on the idea of setting foot in a mall on a Saturday in December, so a carriage ride seemed like a perfectly suitable alternative. While the Little Nguyens and I secured a spot in the queue, Chi dashed off in search of some hot cocoa and coffee for us. It wasn't long before he returned with red holiday Starbucks cups, and the drinks warmed us up and helped us to pass the time waiting in line.

It really was a festive sight to see Paige the horse trotting up, the bells on her harness jingling joyfully as the surrey with the fringe on top (cue Billy Crystal) rolled to a stop behind her. We climbed on and settled in for the ride while Paige took a well-deserved drink. It was really very calming to listen to her hooves clopping on the pavement, and we could have ridden in that carriage all afternoon...until the Second Little Nguyen asked, "What's that smell?" Riding behind horses isn't exactly, umm...fragrant. All part of the authentic experience, right? I have to admit, riding through a parking lot didn't have quite the same effect as riding over snow-covered hills would have, but, again....we live in North Carolina...we take what we can get!

After the carriage ride finished, we walked over to visit with Santa. The 30 seconds we waited in line sure beat the usual hour-and-a-half we have to set aside to stand in line at the mall in Connecticut two days before Christmas. And this very authentic Santa Claus had it going on! Great big tummy, lovely natural beard, rosy cheeks, a gentle voice and one big-bellied laugh. There was no fear this year in seeing Santa, and the boys walked right up. He talked to the Little Nguyens for a few minutes before they skipped off with big smiles on their faces. Of course, we had to know what they asked Santa for: a camouflage play tent and a police car with lights and sirens. Word has it Santa shopped early this year. It's good to know the Little Nguyens will be getting exactly what they asked for.