What? Wait in line for Santa?

He knows when you've been sleeping. He knows when you're awake. And he knows that, as you dash between toddler gymnastics and play group, you just don't have time to wait in long lines at the mall.

So at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., families can now schedule an appointment for a personal visit with Santa in a "festive, intimate setting" (complete with the opportunity to purchase a DVD and premium 16x20-inch portrait of the special tete-a-tete).

Think of it. No other screaming tots to contend with. No having to worry that you're not getting Santa's full time or attention, or that he'll mix up your request with someone else's.

It's never too early to learn that you're special and that there's always some way to make sure you're not just a face in the crowd. . . .