A Prayer With Santa

I was at a Challenger School doing one of three days worth of Santa appearances there.  As I walked in, beside the Secretary's desk was a sickroom and I looked in and saw a little girl laying on the bed.  I was in full Santa garb so when she saw me she waved, and Santa’s heart (as always around children) melted.  I went to her and pulling a candy cane out of my belt asked her what was wrong, to which she replied, “I'm not feeling too well today. My stomach is sick.”  

I thought I'd take this moment to take her mind off of her pain and ask her what she wanted for Christmas.  She told me the usual – dollies, Barbies, etc.  I was getting ready to leave when she said, “Santa I would feel a lot better if you would say a prayer with me.”  I told her I would be happy to hear one from her.  So she closed her eyes and bowed her head and she offered up a heartfelt prayer which could only could come from a sick little girl.  In it she said, “Heavenly Father, I'm not feeling well right now. But Santa came to visit me and I know that because Santa is here and praying with me, that I will feel better.  Please help me to feel better. Amen.”  A sweet spirit filled the room as she finished her prayer. 

I wished her a Merry Christmas and as I got up to leave I handed her a candy cane.  She laid back and looking at her mom who was in the room with her said, “I will be okay now because Santa came and said a prayer with me.”  I don't know whose eyes were more moist, the mother’s or mine.

Sometimes being Santa brings amazing moments.

Sometimes Santa Needs a Hand

This morning I had a GREAT Santa visit at the Sandy Library.  The children were great!  Lots of kids and even several parents got their pictures taken with me.  I had finished and was on my way out to my car when my head Elf told me she had locked the keys in the car.  I did not have a spare.  I laughed as she called a locksmith to help us out, or I should say to help us in to the car.  Well I now had a choice (as a 6'6" Santa does stick out a bit), I could either try to hide while we waited, or I could just sit out in front of the library on a bench and make the best of it.  Well, I didn't really have much choice as several children spotted me and ran over to visit with me, so I settled for the bench idea.  About 20 children came and we took pictures and they told me what they wanted for Christmas.  Finally the locksmith from Wally's Lock & Key came.  My Elf had not told him I was Santa, so he and his wife got a kick out of unlocking "Santa's Sleigh."

Thank goodness for those who can help Santa.  Thanks Wally & Mrs. Wally!

Fantasy is Fun

Being Santa Claus and having children sit on your lap, you get asked for some fun things. Last night at the daycare "Kids, Etc." one of my favorite requests was from a little boy who said (really fast and blended all his words together) "teenagemutantninjaturtles."  When I asked him which one, Donatello or Michelangelo or ... he emphatically replied "THE GREEN ONE!"

My second favorite response was from a little girl who she wanted a fairy.  I asked which one and she said "Tinkerbell, of course, 'cause she's the boss."  I told her I would see what I could do.  Then I said that I was stopping by Disneyland on my way back to the North Pole, and so I could say 'Hi' to Tinkerbell for her.  With a loud squeal and a thank you she jumped up, gave me a hug, and ran off to get a candy cane.

Santa's fantasy world is awesome!

                  Which "green one" do you think he wants???

Comfort and Joy

Tonight was my first Santa Claus appearance of this year!  I was on my way up to a show when I saw flashing lights up ahead.  After several minutes in the slow traffic, I saw it was an accident.  As I came up on the scene, I noticed that a mother and her young daughter were sitting on the side of the road, and of course I focused on the young girl who looked obviously shaken.  Being filled with the Santa Claus spirit, I pulled over in the parking lot behind the accident.  All I had on me was a candy cane.  I rang my bells and that little girl's eyes lit right up!  When she saw me she ran right to me and gave me a big hug.  I asked if she was okay and she said she was, but her mom's new car wasn't.  I asked her what she wanted for Christmas and gave her the candy cane.  I told her I had to get back to the North Pole and gave her another hug before getting back in my car. 

Sometimes being Santa Claus I can help to comfort others.