http://bencotten.disqus.com/enMon, 03 Dec 2007 11:10:54 -0000http://www.bencotten.net/2007/11/26/what-not-to-get-me-for-christmas/#comment-3617936When Zack was three he made up a magnificent song called "Santa Claus is Dead" and proceeded to sing it as we strolled through the aisles at K-Mart or in the Boone Mall. People would hear this little boy singing with all of his heart and look at me smiling, "Aw, isn't that sweet?" until they realized what he was actually singing and their smile turned to looks of absolute horror!!JanMon, 03 Dec 2007 11:10:54 -0000http://www.bencotten.net/2007/11/26/what-not-to-get-me-for-christmas/#comment-3617943LOL! That may be the best story of its kind that I've heard!<br><br>Heather always tells the story about her brother, Nathaniel, making the neighbors cry by telling them Santa wasn't real. His Mom still talks about the nasty phone calls from angry parents.Ben CottenThu, 29 Nov 2007 19:09:06 -0000http://www.bencotten.net/2007/11/26/what-not-to-get-me-for-christmas/#comment-3617942One year I was feeling...a bit of rage against the system maybe. I put up a bulletin board at the Christian school of Santa and his reindeer backlit by a full moon with a MX missile firing toward him. I furthered the joke at home by mumbling, "Santa's a bum," in response to any commercial with his visage on the tube. Amicably, I might add. One day in the grocery store, a sweet little old lady took an interest in Anna, then about four years old, sitting in the buggy. She leaned over to this innocnet little angel and said, "What's Santa going to bring you, Honey?" To which the little angel immediately and sweetly responded, "Santa's a bum." I realized I may have taken my personal belief a little too far. ;^)dedThu, 29 Nov 2007 18:40:59 -0000http://www.bencotten.net/2007/11/26/what-not-to-get-me-for-christmas/#comment-3617941I'm surprised my kids haven't ruined the entire neighborhood's Christmas by now... ;-)Ben CottenThu, 29 Nov 2007 17:05:12 -0000http://www.bencotten.net/2007/11/26/what-not-to-get-me-for-christmas/#comment-3617940Ha! Ded! It was a Santa Claus zealot! I have one in my family who was OUTRAGED that we told our kids the truth about Santa.Sarah @ Real LifeWed, 28 Nov 2007 23:20:18 -0000http://www.bencotten.net/2007/11/26/what-not-to-get-me-for-christmas/#comment-3617939I keep wondering if the picture for the post is Ben with a knot jerked in his head by some fan of Santa Claus.dedWed, 28 Nov 2007 20:51:09 -0000http://www.bencotten.net/2007/11/26/what-not-to-get-me-for-christmas/#comment-3617938It's nice to read from one of the guys. I don't know anybody from this blog carnival group but I just joined in and post mine. <br><br>I really find it funny especially for joint gifts you received for you and your wife, my husband experiences that all the time. But maybe its because its easier to pick up a gift for a woman especially if the one who buys it is a woman also.<br><br>Nice and funny listSoleilWed, 28 Nov 2007 18:53:50 -0000http://www.bencotten.net/2007/11/26/what-not-to-get-me-for-christmas/#comment-3617937Hi Ben and Heather,<br><br>Charlie and I really missed you while you were gone, but we are glad that you had the chance to get away.<br><br>This blog made me laugh!! I must say that you, Ben, break all my images of a pastor, thank God!! You touch my spirit in a way that God can speak to me, but you touch my soul and make me laugh! I tend to take life way too seriously, maybe to the suffering point. I realize that I need Charlie and now you to make me laugh and see the " rest of the story".<br><br>See you tonight. <br><br>Love ya!<br><br>GailGail DavisWed, 28 Nov 2007 13:39:14 -0000