the real santa

You really learn a lot when you eavesdrop. The topic today was about the "real Santa" because obviously there are a lot of fakes out there. To set the scene, we are in the minivan on the way home from school and it's Gabe, his friend Cole, and Nyah.  They are discussing whether or not it was the "real Santa" that came to Nyah's preschool.  The boys think not because his beard was not curly.  Gabe insists that Santa's beard is not flat and straight, like the imposter in the picture with Nyah.  Cole is just all around skeptical because he says he has noticed in the past 5 years (his life span) that all the pictures of him on Santa's lap are different.... different beard, different hat, different hair.  He is convinced that Santa is much more elusive than we think.  Gabe on the other hand insists he saw the "real santa" last year and he has a curly beard.  Then Cole asks if he had mistletoe or holly on his hat... because if not, he was not the "real santa".   He then asks if Gabe knows about St. Nicholas from the Dutch and how he is for sure real because someone saw his flyin' freakin' horses!! (his words) This enlightening discussion goes on for awhile before it slowly digresses into giggles about underwear and toilet paper.  I just love kids!!!!