IT'S THE MOMENT OF TRUTH: HAVE YOU BEEN NAUGHTY OR NICE?

My mother was a big believer in Catholic guilt. It served it's purpose - It kept us in line (well, somewhat in line, during our teen years), and kept decent morals in check.

I remember standing there wide-eyed, as my five year old self, was told Santa may not come when my behavior was less than desirable. Can you say panic attack?!! I would run and clean my room, help Mom dry the dishes, brush the dog, say my prayers - You get the picture.

She seems to be up to her old tricks. A family member is in a relationship with someone who has a child from a previous relationship.

On one of their recent visit to my Mom's, the child was presented with a stuffed bunny from my grinning Mom, her arms outstretched, holding a pink rabbit that was meant to secure her place as the fun house to visit.

Mom to child: "Look what Santa left at my house for you! Can I have a hug?"

Child: "NO! No hugs." There are no flies on this kid. Smart. Spunky. Energetic. Brutally honest. Your typical 3 or 4 year old.

Mom: "You know that Santa doesn't leave presents to children who are fresh?"

Wide-eyed look from child. Mom is satisfied her guilt tactics are working.

A bit later the child does something nice.

Mom: "Wow, Santa leaves an extra present when kids do something nice."

No response from child, but Mom is satisfied she is influencing this young life in a matter of 5 minutes.

When it's time to leave Mom asks child for a hug again, smug, certain that this time she will get one, since Santa is watching and all.

Child: "No. No hugs," then the child proceeds to run across the room and give my father a huge hug, who by the way, is looking more and more like Santa every year.

So apparently, kids today don't scare as easy.

So here is your moment of truth: Have you been naughty or nice this year? I may have been a wee bit naughty once or twice, but I'm blaming Sephora.


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