Ten days to go, and we're there in the mall for one express reason only: To get a message to Santa. Blog fans will know we've been here before, but this time, we're psych'ed, we're ready, and besides, we got up close and interactive with S.C. down at the Sauble Movie Night last night, so today it's just business.

We were early, about ten minutes before The Man was due for his entrance, which gave us some time to check out the scene, poke at the new 'retro candy' stall in the mall-island store (why is a Yorkie "not for girls'?). We hung around The Green Chair, talked to some other nervous fans. Some were there with lists down rote, others there with that iffy eye only a pre-three can give such a stranger from a distance, but we were all sure why we were there.

And then, with the jingle in his swagger, out of the mall and up to his grand green chair, there he was. Santy. And, well, like I said, we're old buds now. Today was strictly business.