Well, there's a rumor floating around that, uh, that the parents do it

I could see it coming when the following scene came on while we were watching "Elf" the other night. I just didn't know who was going to say something.

Buddy: [Gasps] Santa's sleigh!
Papa Elf: You're gonna help me make it fly.
Buddy: I thought the magical reindeer made the sleigh fly.
Papa Elf: And where do the reindeer get their magic from?
Buddy: Christmas spirit. Everybody knows that.
Papa Elf: Well, silly as it sounds, a lot of people down south don't believe in Santa Claus.
Buddy: What?! Well, who do they think puts all? their toys under the tree?
Papa Elf: Well, there's a rumor floating around that, uh, that the parents do it.
Buddy: That's... that's ridiculous. I mean, parents couldn't do that all in one night. What about Santa's cookies? I suppose parents eat them, too?
Papa Elf: Yeah, I, uh, I... I know, uh, and every earless and less people believe in Santa Claus. I mean, we have a real energy crisis on our hands.

Turns out, it was Cole.

"Daaaaaad," he said, looking over at me, and then at the tree.

"What?" I replied, trying my best to keep a straight face. See, I'm a terrible liar, and when I try it, I usually get a sheepish grin on my face. Please, don't start smiling, I thought. Where is Mary when I need her?! Of all nights be out shopping with her sister Connie!

"It's you," Cole said.

Busted.

(Please don't smile)

"Cole, Santa brings presents for us, too," I calmly explained to Cole, knowing it was easier to not respond directly to his insinuation. After all, what could I say that wasn't a lie?

Cole looked at me for a second, and then looked at the tree. Aidan was still watching the movie. Grant was watching us. Please don't smile. Please don't smile.

Cole gave me another glance, and then started watching the movie again. The doubt is there, but he didn't say another word about it. But I have a feeling he'll be eyeing the gifts under the tree and watching us a little more closely this year.