It was hard to hear Santa's bells over the squeal of kids at the Brainerd Public Library on Monday evening. Nearly 40 kids and their parents came to hear Santa read books to them with Mrs. Clause at his side. The kids then got a chance to ask questions ranging from "Do you know the tooth fairy?", to "How many marshmallows do you like in your hot chocolate?" After a chance to sit on Santa's lap or pose for pictures the kids had refreshments and took part in many Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah crafts.

On Monday, December 20, at 6:30p.m., Santa will be making a special visit to the Brainerd Public Library. There will be a reading of "Night Before Christmas;" It will be fun for all sharing the wonder and enchantment of this magical story. Following the story the children can to talk with Santa; asking him questions and getting answers directly from him!

In her two short years on this planet, my toddler's relationship with Santa has been tumultuous at best.

Her first Christmas she threw up on him.

Her second Christmas...well, I've uploaded the photographic evidence from last year. She was horrified when she turned around and realized I put her in the lap of some white-bearded stranger. Traumatic.