Sharing Life’s Lessons
I have a special connection with Santa, and he shared this with me just before Christmas. (I have his permission to share it with you.) Santa spends a few weeks on vacation at a theme park hotel in Florida before the Big Night. Of, course, he’s never really on vacation as he’s always available to the children. This is what he shared with me…
I have probably spent too much time reflecting on Christmas Past this year. Tonight is my last night at a local theme park hotel. Children are excited to see Santa on vacation, but this year has been extremely hard.
Dressed in normal “vacation” attire of red baggy shorts, red tropical shirt, red boat shoes and Santa hat, how do they know I am smiling behind my covid mask and sunglasses? I greet each family by welcoming them and asking if they are having fun - very important if you are a guest at the happiest place on earth. However, they are standing in a black rectangle marked with tape on the pavement in front of my Tiki Hut and thus are no closer than ten feet. Of course, they are all wearing masks as well, and often it is very difficult to hear their replies and wishes over the background of Christmas music being played around the pool area of the hotel.
Two nights ago, there was an older couple (meaning around 70 – more or less) who came to visit Santa. There was no one else in line and we chatted for some time, mostly about what this lady wanted for Christmas. Then I turned to him and asked the question. “I just want this covid crap to be over,” he replied. I agreed with him and his partner continued. “You see, we were supposed to be married in May on the beach at this resort. That got canceled so then it was to be October.” He continued, “That got canceled too. So, we just went and did it anyway with a JP and maybe we’ll get to have a celebration with friends and family later.” I agreed that it was a difficult year and admitted that it was hard to be here and not be able to hug the kids. “We all need more hugs,” they said.
Last night, though, one very young little lady in a sparkly blue dress and blond curls was over the moon that Santa was available for her to make her requests known - and the list WAS long! Hearing her was not a problem. Her rapid-fire responses to each question were a challenge. After several leaping pirouettes, she suddenly looked closer at me and said, “You’re funny ho ho!” “Ho ho? I replied. “Say Ho Ho.” she came back. “ho ho” I repeated, rather reserved. “No, funny, Ho HO!”. I paused, took a deep breath and let out my best and loudest “HO-HO-HO! Ho-ho-ho-ho! echoing around the pool enclosure. I swear she actually levitated with joy off the pavement! Screaming and laughing and clapping. “I love you funny Hoho!” as she joined her parents to leave. “I love you, too, young lady!” I wished them all a very Merry Christmas, as I do everyone, as they departed. I believe that all who were in line to visit Santa were lifted by her unabashed Christmas spirit, as was I.
The chilling breeze seemed to disappear, and the night felt a little bit warmer and I was glad no one could see the tear on my cheek behind my sunglasses and Christmas mask as I greeted the next guests. It was the best non-hug I had all season.
This is only one of Santa’s stories. I’m sure he wishes all of you many hugs in the new year as do I.