What Santas Do
My Santa story begins many years ago, when Prince Frederick was just a small, simple friendly town with just one shopping center. At this Christmas season it needed a Santa and this Santa needed a job.
Santa’s job began on Saturday evenings in a trailer in the shopping center’s parking lot, where the children come to sit on his lap, and for a small fee they could have their picture taken with Santa.
Later the owner of the “Ben Franklin store” hired a Santa for his store. Santa soon became a big hit. The children on Saturday evenings lined up with notes and cookies waiting their turn to talk and sit on Santa’s lap. For those at home for one hour he could be heard on the radio.
Santa soon became quite popular. During the holidays he could be found on a fire truck at the Christmas parades, and one year he even landed in the Safeway parking lot in a helicopter. I remember how excited the children were that year. This Santa continued being seen during the holidays. He’d show up in a school, in the nursing home, at a local firehouse and other places upon request.
Santa and some of his Boy Scouts even visited an elderly lady who lived alone in the community. The scouts gathered together things for a Christmas goodie box. When the evening came to make the delivery they were very excited, and the lady was so grateful she invited them into her home, giving each one big hug.
Santa continued for many years being part of the holiday season. He was that jolly old man that greeted the kids and adults. He enjoyed kids and liked seeing them smile and happy.
We have tucked all these memories away, but they are not forgotten. A few years ago we lost our Santa. We shall always miss him, but there will always be a Santa at Christmas making kids smile, for that’s what Santas do.
Signed,
Santa’s helper