Well today was Little Miss’ first ever live performance of song and dance. It was a huge occasion so I even took the day off work so I could attend.

Sure I didn’t really want to attend a Christmas pageant put on by the local day care centre with a bunch of 0-4 year olds butchering songs from the season, but Wife insisted I be there so there I was. Also I will admit the lure of cupcakes and fairy bread is pretty hard to ignore!

So off the four of us trundled to the childcare centre, myself, Usurper the baby, Wife and of course the toddler Little Miss.

I will admit to being a little cautious as to how Little Miss would react as she tends to be quite shy naturally and really isn’t into noise or crowds and today she was looking at being on stage in front of a crowd in a noisy environment. I don’t think the pressure was eased any when we received a phone call as we pulled into the car park enquiring as to our whereabouts - apparently we were running late and holding up the show!

We dashed across the road and into an overcrowded childcare centre full of kids, parents, grand parents and I think the odd homeless person off the street (the lure of fairy bread is strong and universal in this country).

We rushed Little Miss up to the stage, stuck some fake reindeer ears on her head and a wooden bell in her hand and left to bask in the glory of her talents.

Then the music started, the kids started to sing and do some kind of what I guess you would call was a dance. That is all except for Little Miss…..

All she did was stand there, out of the way of the other kids, a plaintiff look in her eyes as they flicked back and forth between me and Wife imploring us to rescue her from this, her own personal hell. For the 3 songs (and a rather unnecessary encore in my opinion) she just stood there.

She didn’t cry but her mouth did quiver, and you could physically see her trying to shrink into herself and disappear. Some people would claim it is character building - but those people are asses. I will never work out why they think it is a good idea to make kids perform, only about 3 out of the whole class wanted to do it - and those ones don’t need any encouragement when it comes to wanting to show off.

Afterwards there was a present from Santa - whom she refused to look at let alone acknowledge - and a run around in the playground with her friend, which she had a great time doing.

So what could have been a fun day turned into an ‘almost disaster’ but in the end it was salvaged by the playground. Although having just watched the video back I don’t know who will be more traumatised in the long run, Little Miss or Daddy. The look on her face is a heartbreaker.

On a happier note wife sent me the following link, which amused the buggery out of me and apparently anyone can do it all and be elfed as well!

Lastly a special dedication to Wife who is probably reading this blog for the first time tonight having threatened me with torture if I didn’t tell her the website address. I love you honey (please don’t hurt me), and I looking forward to the notes correcting my grammar and spelling - it’s how I learn apparently, and that will make me a better me