The Christmas Joker

For Ace's 5th birthday party this last October we had a Batman party.  I have to admit I kind of went overboard with the plans and at the end of the activities I convinced my mom to dress up like the Joker and come to trap the kids in the "bat cave."  Lev, my little guy, was seriously scared of her, and he even knew who she was.  He has talked frequently about "the green Joker" ever since.  I think I seriously traumatized some kids - especially Lev.  My mom is quite the actress.

In December, for the Branch Christmas party, my mom told the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas as part of the program.  We had friends dress up and act out the story.  Again, a green villain was made real for Lev.  The association with Grandma was just too much for him and The Joker and The Grinch became one.

So one of my favorite Christmas memories from the last few months is Lev telling me how "The Joker" was going to come down our chimney and steal all our Christmas presents.  He was pretty scared.  I tried to suppress a giggle and sympathize.