Do you believe in Santa? In our family, we do!
Some dream of running away with the circus. I dream of running away with Santa and his reindeer. No, it wouldn’t be a permanent thing or anything…just on Christmas. I think of this magical, fast and furious present delivery mission and I get chills! I can just hear the song on the radio… “You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donder, Niqqi and Blitzen! But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all…” which we all know, of course, is Rudolph!
Wow! Niqqi–me, part of the Santa Team! That would be a dream come true! I love Santa and so does my family. To us, more than presents, Santa brings a message of faith and hope.
My mom tells me that many years ago, when my grandma was very ill and in the hospital, there hadn’t been any time for my brother (who was little then) to go visit Santa at the mall to sit on his lap or give him his wish list. He was disappointed. One night, very late, coming from the hospital, they had to stop at the local convenient store to pick up some milk. My dad stayed back in the car while my mom and my brother when into the store. To their surprise, guess who was standing leaning against the deli counter? Santa himself! “Santa!” my brother yelled out! “Hello, little boy!” Santa said. “I know you haven’t had chance to come and see me this year, so I thought I’d come and see you!” My brother had a smile that ran from ear to ear. They chatted a bit, Santa reminding him of the importance of being good. They both laughed and Santa Then Santa turned to my mom and in a very comforting voice said, “I also know you’re going through some very tough times right now, but be strong and things will be okay. Have faith.” With that, Santa wished them a Merry Christmas. They thanked him and did the same. They got the milk, and when they turned around Santa was gone. Just like that.
Things were rough for my family for a while. My grandma passed away the following spring. There was a feeling of emptiness in my mom’s heart, but she would never forget Santa’s words: “Be strong. Have faith. Things will be okay.” Santa was right. Santa is always right.