Becoming Santa
Like most happy accidents in life, the opportunity to become Santa just kind of snuck up on me.
My father enjoyed the theatre, participating in many shows and skits throughout town. Especially when it was a benefit for those less fortunate. He was always a helpful hand on Halloween, but his favorite holiday by far was Christmas. As a woodworker and tinkerer he made many items of curiosity in his shop for family and friends.
Many years had passed, as had he, and while looking through some of his items, I found a long white beard and wig. Having inherited my father's love of the performance arts, I kept them. That same season, while rummaging around an antique barn, I found a pair of black leather boots with white fur on top and a price tag of only $10. A hard bargain to pass up, and a pair of good, warm boots are always useful here in New England.
It was nearly a decade later, while doing an advertising campaign for a local costume shop, that I found myself in need of a jolly, round, middle-aged man. Resembling that description myself I went to their costume rack and found the nicest Santa suit for the photo session. Already having the beard and boots, the look was complete. The perfect Classic-Style Santa.
Well, as much fun as it was to be the big guy for a day, it should have all ended then and there. But upon returning the suit to the costume shop, the owners said, " Keep it. We're closing the shop after the Holidays". Well, I didn't really need or want it, but I thought maybe it would come in handy someday, somewhere.
And here's where serendipity stepped in. As I was leaving the shop that day, a man arrived looking to hire a Santa for an upcoming children's event. It was mid-December and he couldn't find a Santa on such short notice. At that point, I knew I should just donate the suit that had fortuitously fallen to me. I told him, we didn't have any Santa's but I had acquired the last Santa suit and he was welcome to it. " I have one he said, I've been playing Santa for the children's center Christmas party for several years now, but I'll be away on business this season. and I don't want to disappoint the children." As he walked away, he looked back at me hesitantly and asked, " Since you already have a suit, could you fill in?"
And there it was, an opportunity to become one of the world's most recognizable and beloved figures. Although my head said no, mostly in fear of not being good enough and letting the children down, my heart answered Yes.
In short, I did the event and I was captivated.
I'm sure it's not for everyone, but for me, being immersed in all the laughter,
love, hope and joy of the Christmas season, was an extraordinary experience.
And if only for a moment, being able to see it all through the eyes of Children
is truly a wondrous gift.
Thank you for reading my tale, God Bless,
I wish you all a Merry, Merry Christmas.
Rich Kringle
