Until my late 20's I never believed in Santa.
I grew up in a home where Christmas consisted of an excuse to get drunk and to pass off hand me down school clothes in time for them to be worn the next semester of school.
I didn't come to believe in Santa until our kids were four or five-ish and we took them shopping with us to the mall.
Of course, upon seeing the mall Santa, my Suzy got all excited and wanted to have the kids sit on his lap for a picture.
The kids on the other hand, weren't having any of it.
Lizzie, the oldest of our twins by several minutes, steadfastly refused because she was not going to sit on some strange man's lap, especially while he was wearing a "Halloween costume" and she could see his face.
They then both lowered the boom on their poor mom by declaring that they didn't think he was really Santa anyways.
On the way home, while relishing my unsaid "I told ya so"s, the kids and I were informed that she would be dropping us at home and that she would be back later.
She returned about three hours later and THAT'S when I started to believe!
Somewhere, somehow, someplace she had put together a "Suzy Santa Suit".
It consisted of a little Santa hat, a red blouse, matching "Santa" jacket with white fir trim and the shortest red velour mini skirt you've ever seen! This was finished off with a pair of ungodly expensive 6" high heeled bootlets. (I about died when I saw the bill, dammit!!!!).
Anyways, she sashays into the living room and sits down in my recliner and goes, "Hohoho! NOW who wants to tell Santa what they want for Christmas?"
Once the kids were seated (the little brats were FAST and beat me!), my Suzy preceded to tell them the following:
"Santa's not a person, Santa's an ideal. Santa's not a man or a woman, Santa is everybody with love in their hearts. Santa isn't just about Christmas, Santa is about being together as a family, giving TO one another and sharing our joy over the holidays. That's why Santa is just as much about Solstice, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, as he is about Christmas. "
As I stood there watching "My Santa" teaching our kids love and good will to all, I believed for the first time.
I still do. (and I miss my Santa so).
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sagemerlin
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Big hugs to you 'cause I know how much you miss her and how difficult this time of year is for you.
xox
"He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy."
Lezlie
[my apologies for not having anything rude to say but this is too nice a post for that. there's always next time... ;-)]
I recall Art Carney in a film`Honeymooners.
He starred in Harry and Tonto & Other Films.
`
Yes ... You wrote "My Santa" ... I believe. Spirit.
The Odd Couple. He invented a role`Felix Unger.
Mahone Bay, Canada go all-out to recall Saint Nick.
Mahone Bay is where Prince Harry William? I forget.
They recently visited Mahone Bay. I will go Google.
I almost remained there for symphony and wine.
Lunenburg County Winery is not far away. Fun.
this way cool, this take on HIM?HER?IT?
a little Santa hat, a red blouse,
…and the shortest red velour mini skirt you've ever seen!
This was finished off with a pair of ungodly expensive 6" high heeled bootlets.
She staighented the
Kiddos out re. spirit of santa,
Without malicious coddling. And was hot, too?
Now blow, hon. It's getting better.
{{{hugs you}}}
.