Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...and her name is Ellen.

We're on Ellen today at 4 pm.  The show was taped Thursday and we're in the center section, front row, sitting behind a decorated wall, but your best bet to see us is when Ellen dances down the row behind us.  Portia sat down on a stool in front of us for the taping so Ellen was frequently looking our way.  Karen is wearing black with a red sweater and I have on a patterned coat.  There is a tall man with gray hair sitting next to me.  Great organization of gift distribution to the audience.  They handed us the smaller items as we left and loaded the car as we drove out of the parking lot.  It was Windows day so we received Microsoft products, far more than I expected to receive, and I'm sure I'll find good homes for some of the gifts.  The audience really came through with Toys for Tots donations; bicycles, games, dolls, etc. and the Marines were on hand to collect them.  A fun day with a trip to Porto's in Burbank for a snack, a little shopping, and Ellen.  I feel very lucky that we were among the audience members for one of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway shows.  Since Oprah is no longer the "Christmas Gift Queen," Ellen has taken her place..."The queen is dead, long live Ellen."