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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
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Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
She asked if Jewish people still consider Christmas their holiday.
WHat I was wondering was if you are Jewish and dont celebrate Christmas, Do you bring your child to see Santa Claus?
I am Jewish and yes I will be bringing dd to see Santa for as long as I can. No I do not celebrate Christmas, nor have a Christmas tree but there is just something about Santa 
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Posted 11/21/07 12:08 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Then I am confused. Santa and the Christmas tree/presents have nothing to do with Jesus. Santa Claus was created for kids.
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:10 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by smdl
Then I am confused. Santa and the Christmas tree/presents have nothing to do with Jesus. Santa Claus was created for kids.
You dont relate Santa to Christmas 
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:11 PM |
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
When I worked in daycare they would have a santa come in for christmas every year to take pics and give each kid a present. Some parents wouldnt allow their child near the santa, because they were jewish, so we would keep those kids in another classroom and play with them while we waited for their classmates to get back. Other parents did not want their child to be left out so let their child see santa anyway.
I dont really know, but I dont think that santa has any religious backing, and personally dont see what the big deal is
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:15 PM |
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~Colleen~
my loves...
Member since 5/05 9129 total posts
Name:
guess
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by PrincessP
Posted by smdl
Then I am confused. Santa and the Christmas tree/presents have nothing to do with Jesus. Santa Claus was created for kids.
You dont relate Santa to Christmas
I relate santa to the holiday and the season...but santa has nothing to do with jesus which has everything to do with christmas.
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:17 PM |
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2BEANS
wow time is going fast.
Member since 9/07 16106 total posts
Name:
Tina
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
my nephew saw santa, his mom is muslim and father is jewish. He will be raised Jewish. They celebrate xmas eve with us, Im catholic and Dh is muslim, our dd will be catholic. DH and his sis dont practice their religion only their mom does.
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:21 PM |
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Calla
My girls
Member since 7/05 4303 total posts
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Ummm considering the day that Santa chooses to delivery his gifts leads me to think that there is a fairly strong connection to Christmas. LOL.
I'm not going to keep my daughter away from Santa like he has a disease, but I'm not going to be lining up at the mall for a photo op, nor would there be any Santa in our house.
Dreidels are made for kids too and have nothing to do with the meaning of Chanukah. Do you have a dreidel in your child's stocking?
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:27 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
No, I don't bring Alex to Santa, and I would never. In my opinion, while Santa isn't a religious symbol per se, his origins are a "saint" and he is intertwined very deeply with christmas, whose origins are deeply religious.
I understand others may not see it as a big deal, but I do - I am very, VERY proud of my heritage, and am keenly aware, on a daily basis, all my ancestors have gone through, their deaths and struggles, just so I CAN be a proud jew and say it without being ostracized, marked, or worse, sent to a concentration camp. To me, personally, it is a dishonor to all my ancestors who fought to struggle through those times, to place my daughter on Santa's lap.
I want Alex to grow up with the same understanding of where she came from, who she is and of her heritage, so that's why I wouldn't bring her to sit on Santas lap.
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:27 PM |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by Bxgell2
No, I don't bring Alex to Santa, and I would never. In my opinion, while Santa isn't a religious symbol per se, his origins are a "saint" and he is intertwined very deeply with christmas, whose origins are deeply religious.
I understand others may not see it as a big deal, but I do - I am very, VERY proud of my heritage, and am keenly aware, on a daily basis, all my ancestors have gone through, their deaths and struggles, just so I CAN be a proud jew and say it without being ostracized, marked, or worse, sent to a concentration camp. To me, personally, it is a dishonor to all my ancestors who fought to struggle through those times, to place my daughter on Santa's lap.
I want Alex to grow up with the same understanding of where she came from, who she is and of her heritage, so that's why I wouldn't bring her to sit on Santas lap.
I couldn't have said it better myself. It never occurred to me to bring Jordana to see Santa. I can't even imagine what I woudl do with a picture of her on Santa's lap.
Now Elmo's lap, that's a whole different story. 
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:29 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by Shelly
Now Elmo's lap, that's a whole different story.
OMG Shelly, I just laughed out loud - nail clipper guy just asked me what I was laughing at! How do I explain that?!
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:31 PM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
I cannot see as someone who is jewish (which I am not) would bring their baby to see or sit on santa's lap. I just don't get it...santa symbolized christmas, period 
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:33 PM |
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by BabySammie
my nephew saw santa, his mom is muslim and father is jewish. He will be raised Jewish. They celebrate xmas eve with us, Im catholic and Dh is muslim, our dd will be catholic. DH and his sis dont practice their religion only their mom does.
Wow - you dont hear too many Muslim and Jewish marriages - interesting!
I was raised by a fairly religious Jeish mom, and Santa was out of the question!!!
But we are raising Cailen to celebrate both Jewish and Catholic holidays, so he went to see Santa.
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:43 PM |
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by Bxgell2
No, I don't bring Alex to Santa, and I would never. In my opinion, while Santa isn't a religious symbol per se, his origins are a "saint" and he is intertwined very deeply with christmas, whose origins are deeply religious.
I understand others may not see it as a big deal, but I do - I am very, VERY proud of my heritage, and am keenly aware, on a daily basis, all my ancestors have gone through, their deaths and struggles, just so I CAN be a proud jew and say it without being ostracized, marked, or worse, sent to a concentration camp. To me, personally, it is a dishonor to all my ancestors who fought to struggle through those times, to place my daughter on Santa's lap.
I want Alex to grow up with the same understanding of where she came from, who she is and of her heritage, so that's why I wouldn't bring her to sit on Santas lap.
Now I feel guilty... 
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| Posted 11/21/07 12:44 PM |
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MrsR
My love.
Member since 5/05 6247 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by Bxgell2
No, I don't bring Alex to Santa, and I would never. In my opinion, while Santa isn't a religious symbol per se, his origins are a "saint" and he is intertwined very deeply with christmas, whose origins are deeply religious.
I understand others may not see it as a big deal, but I do - I am very, VERY proud of my heritage, and am keenly aware, on a daily basis, all my ancestors have gone through, their deaths and struggles, just so I CAN be a proud jew and say it without being ostracized, marked, or worse, sent to a concentration camp. To me, personally, it is a dishonor to all my ancestors who fought to struggle through those times, to place my daughter on Santa's lap.
I want Alex to grow up with the same understanding of where she came from, who she is and of her heritage, so that's why I wouldn't bring her to sit on Santas lap.
Beth - you took the words right out of my mouth - esp this part...."I am very, VERY proud of my heritage, and am keenly aware, on a daily basis, all my ancestors have gone through, their deaths and struggles, just so I CAN be a proud jew and say it without being ostracized, marked, or worse, sent to a concentration camp."
This is EXACTLY what i told people when explaing that I would only marry someone jewish.
I have to be honest...without judgements, I personally think it confuses a kid to bring them to see santa when they are jewish. I think younger kids go through a struggle being in the minority so I personally DESPISE things like a hanukkah bush - or seeing santa.
When I was younger I BEGGED my parents for lights on the house...now lights aren't what xmas is about - but they represent xmas decorations (for the most part) so my mother explained to me that it is not what we do, regardless that "all the other kids were doing it", we are jewish, we light a menorah.
I hated the idea at the time, but now boy am I glad that she stood her ground and explained to me why we are different and to be proud of our traditions as well.
Anyway I am probably just rambling but long story short - no I would NEVER bring my children to see santa. In my world it isn't appropriate- that is what is right for me...other moms might feel differently and that is what makes the world go 'round.
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:02 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
I dont light my home with Christmas festivities, nor do I have a "chanukkah" bush, we do have dreidels and do light the menorah but I do not feel like Santa who dd will see repeatedly every year should be a negative thing. JMHO...
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:06 PM |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by PrincessP
I dont light my home with Christmas festivities, nor do I have a "chanukkah" bush, we do have dreidels and do light the menorah but I do not feel like Santa who dd will see repeatedly every year should be a negative thing. JMHO...
See, I don't see Santa as a negative, just a Christmas thing and not Jewish thing. To me, Santa, like a Christmas tree, lights, etc... all represent Christmas. Since we don't celebrate Christmas, there is no reason to take pictures with Santa. Its like taking pictures iwth the Easter Bunny. Its just not our religion and not for us.
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:10 PM |
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MrsR
My love.
Member since 5/05 6247 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by Shelly
Posted by PrincessP
I dont light my home with Christmas festivities, nor do I have a "chanukkah" bush, we do have dreidels and do light the menorah but I do not feel like Santa who dd will see repeatedly every year should be a negative thing. JMHO...
See, I don't see Santa as a negative, just a Christmas thing and not Jewish thing. To me, Santa, like a Christmas tree, lights, etc... all represent Christmas. Since we don't celebrate Christmas, there is no reason to take pictures with Santa. Its like taking pictures iwth the Easter Bunny. Its just not our religion and not for us.
Like I said before - I think one of the negative aspects is that it could be confusing to your child as they get older. That is just my opinion.
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:13 PM |
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JessieQ
Rest in Peace baby Rogan
Member since 6/07 1122 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by Calla
Dreidels are made for kids too and have nothing to do with the meaning of Chanukah. Do you have a dreidel in your child's stocking?
Sorry to crash, but this quote reminded me of something. When I was young my aunt bought me a dreidel set for Christmas- she told me it was a Japanese game!
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:42 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by PrincessP
I dont light my home with Christmas festivities, nor do I have a "chanukkah" bush, we do have dreidels and do light the menorah but I do not feel like Santa who dd will see repeatedly every year should be a negative thing. JMHO...
No one is judging you - every family is different and has different values. For me, I DO see it as a negative because it negates everything that my ancestors struggled for so I could be here today, happily married to my jewish husband, with my little jewish monkey, going to jewish day school.
For my family it's still very close to our hearts, and perhaps that's why I take it so seriously. My MIL is a survivor of the holocaust - her entire family was wiped out merely because they WOULD refuse to put up a christmas tree and take their children to see Santa. She doesn't know anything about her parents, in fact, she doesn't even know what they looked like.
In my family, we are tiny because half of my grandparent's generation was wiped out - the only survivors were those who fled to the US and Israel. I still read my great grandmother's diary every year, detailing the horrors and struggles she endured in the ghetto and auschwitz. Knowing all of this, while I can certainly appreciate christmas and smile when I hear christmas music, or when someone wishes me a merry christmas, I just cannot bring my daughter to sit on Santa's lap. Instead, I take great pride, and revel in the new memories our family creates, continuing our heritage and tradition, by making latkes, singing jewish songs, lighting the menorah, and playing good ol' dreidal.
Message edited 11/21/2007 1:48:09 PM.
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:46 PM |
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CathyB
Member since 5/05 19403 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
What if your dc asked specifically to sit on his lap? Like if they heard from kids in school about going or whatever. Would you explain it's not your tradition, or would you go to let them see what it's like?
I'm not sure what I'd do if I was in that situation.
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:48 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by CathyB
What if your dc asked specifically to sit on his lap? Like if they heard from kids in school about going or whatever. Would you explain it's not your tradition, or would you go to let them see what it's like?
I'm not sure what I'd do if I was in that situation.
I would explain as best I can why it's not part of our tradition, and that we have all our other rich traditions that she can enjoy.
It's a ******, I know, I remember being so angry and upset growing up that I couldn't have a Christmas tree, but like Jen said, it taught me a very valuable lesson.
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:49 PM |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by CathyB
What if your dc asked specifically to sit on his lap? Like if they heard from kids in school about going or whatever. Would you explain it's not your tradition, or would you go to let them see what it's like?
I'm not sure what I'd do if I was in that situation.
That is exactly what I would do. I would tell DD that we are Jewish and we celebrate the Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashana, Passover and Hannukah. Other people have other religions and they celebrate their holidays. I would teach her that Santa is a part of Christmas which is a Christian holiday which we don't celebrate.
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:51 PM |
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monkeybride
My Everything
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
I'm not Jewish but if I was I can say I would certainly not bring my child to see Santa. I grew up in a town with a large Jewish population so I feel blessed that I got to experience this religion as well through my friends.
I think if you choose to practice a certain religion you should embrace that religion and it's traditions. Santa is Christmas. Sorry there is just no way around it. If you don't celebrate Christmas IMO it makes no sense to bring your child to see Santa. If you're in a marriage with both religions then that's a different story but if you and your DH choose to raise your children Jewish then those are the traditions you should embrace.
DH and I are basically both agnositc but we were both raised in christian/catholic backgrounds and both of our families still practice those religions so that is the holiday we celebrate but I'll be honest. We celebrate the secular part and sometimes I question how right or wrong that is. 
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:54 PM |
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pugmama
April already?
Member since 3/06 5297 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by Bxgell2
No, I don't bring Alex to Santa, and I would never. In my opinion, while Santa isn't a religious symbol per se, his origins are a "saint" and he is intertwined very deeply with christmas, whose origins are deeply religious.
I understand others may not see it as a big deal, but I do - I am very, VERY proud of my heritage, and am keenly aware, on a daily basis, all my ancestors have gone through, their deaths and struggles, just so I CAN be a proud jew and say it without being ostracized, marked, or worse, sent to a concentration camp. To me, personally, it is a dishonor to all my ancestors who fought to struggle through those times, to place my daughter on Santa's lap.
I agree 100%! I did not that Easter was a Christian Holiday until I was like 10 or so b/c I always got my pics taken with the Easter bunny and we went on Easter egg hunts. I think it is important for kids to know about their religion and the differences between different religions.
I want Alex to grow up with the same understanding of where she came from, who she is and of her heritage, so that's why I wouldn't bring her to sit on Santas lap.
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| Posted 11/21/07 1:58 PM |
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yankinmanc
Happy Days!
Member since 8/05 18208 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spinoff to Racheeeees posting on NFR but on parenting
Posted by Bxgell2
No, I don't bring Alex to Santa, and I would never. In my opinion, while Santa isn't a religious symbol per se, his origins are a "saint" and he is intertwined very deeply with christmas, whose origins are deeply religious.
I understand others may not see it as a big deal, but I do - I am very, VERY proud of my heritage, and am keenly aware, on a daily basis, all my ancestors have gone through, their deaths and struggles, just so I CAN be a proud jew and say it without being ostracized, marked, or worse, sent to a concentration camp. To me, personally, it is a dishonor to all my ancestors who fought to struggle through those times, to place my daughter on Santa's lap.
I want Alex to grow up with the same understanding of where she came from, who she is and of her heritage, so that's why I wouldn't bring her to sit on Santas lap.
If there was a Santa at a party I wouldn't run away from him, I would let Noah have a present or whatever...but I would never take a picture with Santa at the mall, never in a million billion years.
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| Posted 11/21/07 2:50 PM |
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