Santa Claus Goes to YuYuan

When we told some friends (Holly's housekeepers and brother) that we were heading out to YuYuan, and that Tim would be dressed as Santa, they all piled in our van to be witnesses of all the fun.


Yes, this is the crew that rolled out of our van when the sliding door opened.


Santa, Reindeer, and Photographer-- the Crazy Caltons.


Our family headed on out to the famous YuYuan Gardens, a popular touristy place on the West side of ShangHai. Last time we were here for Christmas pictures, we had a bunch of cameras going off beyond our own. Let us remember, that while ShangHai is very modern, it still only maintains a 1% foreigner rate. So they like to catch it on camera, mostly of Hunter and Tanner. What better way to make their day than to visit as Santa with two little reindeer?


Even sweet little old ladies wanted pictures with this St. Nick from the Western side of the planet.

Soon crowds gathered.

And this little Reindeer thought he was in Heaven. Just like at school, Hunter kept telling anyone who would listen "Santa is my Daddy!" (in Chinese). BTW, those white gloves Hunter was wearing were supposed to be for the Santa costume... but they didn't have American sizes, and Tim trying them out was like the OJ Simpson trial.

What 4 year old wouldn't be having the time of his life?

Here's our younger reindeer with Santa.

Three of the things that make my little Christmas merry.

Hunter and his favorite friend he made that day. Similar hats, and this guy had "Ultra Man", like a Chinese version of a Power Ranger.

Tanner's favorite. He's got a thing for cute Chinese girls.

Overall, we ran into tons of smiles and laughter; We're okay with being laughed at.