Santa Claus

Growing up, Santa was very real to me. You see, when I saw Santa, he knew my name. He knew the names of my parents and grandparents. He knew what I wanted. Sometimes he would even show up at our house in the days before Christmas to visit with us. You see, I grew up in a fairly small community, and the same man was Santa for years and years. I was 16 years old when Santa stopped me at the end of the Christmas parade to stay and help him hand out candy canes to the children who came to visit him. I was still dressed in my marching band uniform complete with the huge plum on top of my hat, so I am sure I looked a bit like a tin solider. He then asked me to run around the building and pick up some more candy canes from "Mrs. Claus." As I rounded the corner, I saw the wife of one of my Grandfather's best friends standing there with a box full of candy canes. Then suddenly it made sense that Santa Claus knew me so well, because HE KNEW ME! I had known and loved this dear man for many years.

Sadly when West Nile Virus hit our state a few years ago, it claimed the life of this sweet man. My Grandpa died of cancer a few years before that. My heart ached when I heard the news. The world lost a kind and giving man. They lost someone who always greeted everyone he saw with a smile, someone who was forgiving. The loss was felt keenly throughout the small community that loved this man. He was the kind of man Santa should be.

I have been sadden hear of so many who choose not to have Santa as part of their life and traditions. For me Santa symbolized unconditional love, generosity, happiness, laughter, kindness and hope. Our Savior taught us all of the time through the use of parables and symbols. While the things that happened in the parables may not have been "real," it does not lessen their significance in any way. In fact the truths that they hold our treasures for anyone who wants to look for them. I believe that there are many great truths to be found in the legend of Santa. I hope more people would be like my friend and live their lives spreading joy and happiness. If it takes a red suit and a Santa hat to make that happen...I don't think that would be such a bad thing. :D