Angelica and the nice list

Going to see the mall Santa was a better idea.

Especially after last year's department store incident.

Angelica promised to be good as she watched Aunt Didi put Trixie on Santa's arm and Uncle Stu seat Tommy next to the smelly old guy in red pajamas.

This year's Santa seemed better than last year's and she wasn't even on his lap yet.

Tommy mostly babbled while Trixie was asleep. With their picture taken and Santa's amiable goodbyes, it was her turn.

"Don't be greedy. Try to be a little nicer to your cousins this Christmas, Angelica. Especially with one of them celebrating their first Christmas."

Doctor Jasper's words played in her head as she sighed and sat in Santa's lap, introducing herself.

"Angelica. What a beautiful name for a beautiful little girl," Santa smiled. "Have you been a good little girl this year?"

"I've been working on it," Angelica admitted. "But it's been hard."

"I'm sure with enough practice, you'll get better at being good. Now is there anything you like for Christmas?"

"Actually, can I request something for my cousins Tommy and Trixie firstest before I tell you what I want?"

Santa chuckled softly. "I don't see why not."

Angelica beamed, clasping her hands together. "Okay well firstest Tommy likes to go on adventures and explore. Sometimes he makes things just like my Uncle Stu does! Could you get him something that lets him make stuff or explore?" When the man nodded, she continued. "Trixie's brand new so I don't know what she'd want for Christmas but she likes soft toys she can hug and drool on. Maybe your elves can find something she'll like!"

The mall Santa patted her head softly as Angelica looked back towards Tommy.

He looked surprised by her actions before yawning, being long overdue for a nap.

…

"Daddy! Daddy!" Angelica smiled.

"Hi Cupcake. Did you have fun with Uncle Stu and Aunt Didi?" Drew asked as he buckled her into her booster seat.

"I did and Santa was much nicer than last year's but…."

"But what?"

"What if me being nicer to the babies isn't enough to get me on the good list this year?" Angelica wondered.

"I think it is," Drew assured. "But it's Santa's decision to make, not me."

"Oh. You think I'll be good enough to get that Cynthia P.I. doll I told you and Mommy about?"

"We'll see Princess. We'll see."

Angelica sighed, looking out the window as Drew's car pulled out of the mall driveway.

This whole being nice thing better be worth it because if not, she could go back to being mean anytime she wanted to.