Checking it twice

As we prepare for the impending visit from Mr. Claus, a lot of the talk at our house these days is about the concept of "naughty" versus "nice".

Miles, at three, simply seeks broad examples which help him differentiate between the two. This is easy parenting work. Nice: The Grinch, after his heart grows three sizes. The CCS teachers. Angelina Jolie, in so many ways. Naughty: The Grinch, in the first half of the book. Dick Cheney. You, if you don't finish your peas.

Whereas Isaac, at five and already showing signs of trial lawyer aptitude, is interested in exploiting nuance and triangulating the issue. Is it truly a naughty act if it is in response to another naughty act? Is refusing to eat the peas truly naughty, or merely expressing freedom of choice?

Last night, I was faced with this: at what point is Santa's decision final? In other words, isn't there a point after the list has been checked twice and the gift laden sleigh is airborne that all bets are off? Once Santa has started in on deliveries, can he really deny you presents because you stuck a pillow over your brothers face that night? How will he know?

This last was an amazing discussion, forcing me to gravely explain in detail that Santa has a state-of-the-art satellite link with Elf Central, and that the Elves continue to monitor and pass information on to Santa via cell phone and lap top up to the very moment of delivery.

(Apparently Santa has benefited from the Patriotic Act as well.)

I sense that I'll have only one child still believing at this time next year.