This past Saturday, I found myself in Sherway Gardens. For the initiated, Sherway Gardens is the go-to South Etobicoke mall, located at the junction of Hwy. 427 and the QEW. I wasn't there to shop, I was there to walk and rewarded myself with a McDonald's coffee.
As I walked, I couldn't help but notice an insanely long line-up of parents booking an appointment for their child(ren) to visit with Santa. That's right, you have to line up bright and early to reserve a decent time slot for your kids to meet Santa at a later date. Lining up to see Santa certainly isn't what it used to be.
Back in my day, we had to line up, but at the end of that line you sat on Santa's lap and told him what you wanted. Not any more... at least, not at Sherway Gardens.
The visit with Santa, if you don't order a picture, is $7 but you do get some activities with the photo op and Sherway promises they'll give the proceeds to Sleeping Children Around the World. So there's that.
I didn't join the line to schedule the appointment with Santa at a future date. My kids can see the big guy at the parade next Sunday.
