{family} The Palmieri Family

Santa Clause came to town--specifically to visit the Palmieri kids, and it was MAGICAL! With his reindeer resting up, Santa arrived at their house in a white car, with rosy-red cheeks and hauling a large bag full of toys. Rosario, Sophia, and Vinny were anxiously waiting at the door, jumping up and down as they saw him walking up their driveway. The three of them looked magazine-perfect in their Christmas best. The awe showing on their faces left them starstruck as Santa made his way into the foyer. Sophia led Santa into the living room, which looked like the set of a movie. The children had a tall, ornate and wonderfully lit tree and mantle already set up with a large, perfectly crafted, Santa-approved chair that had been in their family for many years. As Sophia chatted up Santa, telling him tons of stories and following up with questions, Ro stayed back at first just looking at the jolly man. After many “Ho Ho Ho’s” and “Merry Christmases” and friendly conversations, Rosario looked at his mom, Jackie, and said, “Mom, I believe again.” Hearts melting, Ro and Sophia couldn’t wait to sit on Santa’s lap to request their most desired presents this year. Vincent, their two-years old brother, was not so eager. Keeping Santa at a distance, Vinny would only go near Santa if he was sitting in his sled, at least a foot off to the side of Santa’s chair. Vinny had us laughing the whole time with his stubborn refusal to go near St. Nick, and his quick, stoic comments like “Don’t touch me,” that he repeated a few times. It was hard not to laugh out loud, but as time passed, Santa was able to get Vinny to warm up a bit. Reading books, throwing snowballs, and sharing some milk and cookies (that the kids made of course), which paired flawlessly with matching Christmas pjs, was a time well-spent. Before we knew it, Vin was bringing Santa milk, but still refused to get a picture with him. Santa brought a feeling of magic to the whole house that Jackie and their Nana felt as they watched on. It was a surreal afternoon. As Santa passed out some Disney gifts and prepared to leave, the kids gave him hugs, and though Christmas was a month away, the feeling of Christmas was palpable that day in the Palmieri house. I was so honored to capture the special moments and enchanted faces as Ro, Sophia, and Vinny spent the afternoon with Santa. It was an experience I am sure they will never forget, and I think we all agreed with Rosario….we all believe.