Since Santa Claus was visiting my 4-year-old nephew Will’s classroom, Meghan (his Mom) showed up with her 2-year-old son, Jack, in tow. Each student got to sit on Santa’s lap. Meghan was so busy with Jack, she couldn’t hear what Will was saying to Santa, but she did notice that Will and Santa spent a lot of time together.

On the ride home, Meghan inquired of Will what he asked Santa to bring him for Christmas.

Will replied, “Nothing, I already told him what I wanted, before.”

“Then what did you and Santa talk about?”

I told Santa to be careful when he came down our chimney because there are logs at the bottom. I also warned him that there is a screen at the entry of the fireplace, and if Santa broke it, Santa would have to pay for it.”

Meghan was silent as she did her best to stifle her laughter.

“Mommy,” Will explained, “you have to pay for the things you break.”