Are You sAntA cLAus?
Yes, little one! It’s really me!!
I’m so glad you asked! I Love that question, and it warms my heart to see that wonderful smile on your face when you realize it’s me.
“But…You aren’t dressed like Santa…”
No, I’m not. It’s because I don’t dress up as Santa the way you know me most of the year.
You see, most children (even adults) think I am always supposed to be at the North Pole making toys and ‘always’ dressed in a red suit with white fluffy trim, a big belt, and black boots!
What Nonsense!
I don’t blame you. You have believed that from all the stories, pictures, and cartoons. People have believed it for a very long time. Artists and storytellers said it was so, and no one told you anything differently. But now you have Santa himself right here to tell you the truth.
Children, families, grandmas, grandpas, and everyday people occasionally see me somewhere other than where they think I should be. As the weeks draw closer to Christmas, I am out and about in stores, restaurants, and towns all over, checking on people. I am watching what they are shopping for, what children are asking their parents for, and who is naughty or nice—and it’s not always the kids!
One little boy, not so long ago, kept staring at me. When he finally asked me. I told him, “Yes, I am Santa.” He said, “But you aren’t dressed like Santa. If you aren’t ‘dressed’ like Santa, how can you ‘be’ Santa?” I had to chuckle, but I also had to explain it to him.
Children and adults often see my big fluffy beard and my curled mustache and then take a second look my way with curiosity in their eyes.
I can almost hear what they are thinking… “He looks like…no…it can’t be…but maybe…!?”
Some kids are brave and just ask me. Sometimes, someone waves at me. Sometimes it’s a big smile. I know the look! So, I wave back, smile, and give them a wink to say,
“Yep, It’s me!”
You might wonder why you don’t always see me in my red suit. I like to blend in and dress like everyone else during the year. Oh—I still like the color red. I might wear a red shirt or sweater or hoody, especially as it gets closer to Christmas, but consider my red suit as dress-up clothes. I’d bet you sometimes dress up for your first day of school, for school pictures, for special holidays, or to go to church, right?
Well, think of my red suit as “dress-up” clothes. I don’t want it all dirty with sawdust or paint from my workshop, straw from the reindeer barn, or reindeer poop from the pastures (eeewww). I wear work clothes for that. I wear regular clothes like everyone else when visiting different towns and countries. Sometimes, I wear cozy sweaters with playful patterns or a silly hat that makes me look different. ‘Why’ you ask? Well, it’s pretty simple! It allows me to visit the towns and mix with people without them knowing who I am. If I wore the red suit ALL the time, I couldn’t be sneaky at all now, could I?
Besides, you don’t wear ‘your’ heavy winter coat, boots, and gloves everywhere all year long, do you? Don’t you change into different clothes during the year? Then doesn’t it make sense that Santa would, too?
I’ll tell you what. You start paying attention, especially toward Christmas. You never know where you might see me. I could be sipping hot cocoa at a local café or maybe on my cell phone, just watching people and taking notes. Or you might see me with Mrs. Claus crossing a parking lot. You might even spot us at a grocery store! We do have to eat, you know!
When the time allows, we love to spread a little joy, whether leaving candy canes and notes for you to find or helping those who need us most. And sometimes, just sometimes, when the stars twinkle extra bright, we let the spirit of Christmas glow around us, hoping you’ll greet us!
So, if you ever see this old man with laughter in his eyes and a heart so big it could hug the world—or an older couple that just ‘might’ be Santa and Mrs. Claus, don’t be shy! I’m always waiting for a wave or a smile. I might not be in the red suit, but I promise it’s still Santa! And remember, your laughter and smile keep the magic alive, making this Christmas bright!
Until next time, keep being kind and spreading joy wherever you go. Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas, my little friends!
Santa
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