Santa Claus and Christmas go hand-in-hand, and to put on the red suit, hat and beard gives you a perspective that will change the way you look at the holiday. In my 20 years of playing the big guy at private parties and shopping malls, I've accumulated many wonderful stories. The most noticeable and consistent experience is being greeted with a a warm smile and a wave of hello by all, 100% of the time. Everybody loves Santa because nobody has a bad "Santa" memory.
Playing Santa at the mall is the closest feeling to being a rock star. People are lined up for an hour waiting to spend just a few moments with you. Of course, to a 6 year old, you are BIGGER than a rock star. You're Santa! There was one experience I had at the mall that was not with a child, but an adult. It was near closing time on a weeknight, so there was no line. Sitting in the chair, I noticed a younger woman walk by and look my way. I waved. With an embarrassed smile, she waved back. Hesitantly, she stopped at the entrance and spoke briefly with one of Santa's helpers, then walked up the ramp toward me. She was a tall, attractive brunette in her early twenties. It wasn't uncommon to have young adults come up for a picture, so I thought nothing of the approach.
She sat on my lap as I said hello in my regular voice. When asked to pose for the photo, she declined. Puzzled, I asked, "What's going on?" With a serious and somber look she replied, "It's been a tough year and I just needed someone to talk to." A tear gently flowed down her cheek as she explained in more detail. What a powerful experience. This woman knew I was a complete stranger and not the real Santa Claus, but chose to confide in me the troubles in her life. Is it because of the suit? Or the childhood memories of what Santa represented - happiness and hope? I became a shoulder to lean on. We spoke for a few minutes, then she smiled, gave me a hug and exited down the ramp. I never saw her again, but I never forgot her either. I learned to never underestimate the power of the suit. You're not just representing a character, but an emotion and an age of innocence that we all long for when times get tough.
It was a Saturday morning youth bowling league. In between games, the kids would sit on my lap and tell me what they wanted for Christmas. They had a young woman in a red dress to serve as my helper. It was the regular routine - kids sitting on my lap telling me they had been good and what they wanted in exchange for that. Sonya, my helper, then introduces me to Kevin. "Well hello Kevin," was my greeting. "How old are you now?" "Seven," he quietly replied. "And what do you want for Christmas?" His responses will forever be ingrained in my memory. "I would like my mom to find a boyfriend so she's not so alone." Hardly expecting this response, I replied, "Ok, what else would you like?" "My dad to get off the drink because he's mean when he drinks." Sonya is standing behind Kevin with tears now running down her face and mouthing to me, "Oh my God." "What else would you like?" was all I could respond with. "My little brother to get the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that he really wants." "Is there anything you want just for you?" "No. That's it," was his reply.
I was stunned. I just had an innocent 7 year old boy tell me his life was miserable and he didn't want to be miserable anymore. All Kevin was asking from Santa was to be happy. Seven years old is the golden age for believing in Santa. You're old enough to understand it and young enough to believe wholeheartedly. But Kevin had already figured out at age 7 what most people never figure out - that if the people closest to you aren't happy, then the material things in life are meaningless.
This experience changed my view of Christmas forever. As the 25th of December nears, I look at the people closest to me to see if they are happy. If not, then what can I do to make a positive difference in their lives? Their happiness will translate to my happiness and that is the only gift I ask for. If just being "happy" is a good enough present for a 7 year old, then it will always be good enough for me.
