What I Learned From Santa Claus

Many of you know that during the month of December I spend every Saturday and Sunday afternoon as Mrs. Claus. I put on a gorgeous red velvet dress complete with white fuzzy trim and a white wig and I greet dozens of children assuring them that I am delighted to see them and repeatedly telling them I am so glad they came to Santa’s Cabin for a visit.

Santa and I sit in big comfy chairs and the children clamber onto our knee and tells us all kinds of secrets, hopes and wishes. They look at us with deep sincerity, a bit of awe and a dash of wonder. Well, except for the crying ones who will have nothing to do with us but cling to their parents while howling at the top of their lungs. Thankfully we have more of the first than we do of the second.

All of this takes place in a log cabin at the back of the pasture. They are brought close to the site on a wagon and they walk that last distance passing through a stand of spruce and pine trees. Santa waits for them on the verandah and invites them into the cabin where the elf offers them hot chocolate and a sugar cookie while they wait for their chat with Santa.

They might seem awe-struck with us, in our red costumes and white wigs, but I am equally awed by the honesty that comes in the conversations. They might admit to troubles at school, to disappointments with their friends, their own shortcomings, and sometimes even how they really feel about their siblings. Most come with a list as to what they want for Christmas while a rare few just want to be surprised by Santa on Christmas Eve. Some children hem and hah as to what they might want and then Santa is quick to suggest that is because they are children who like to give presents instead of get them. With that they usually think of something!

One of the regular questions the children ask is what kind of cookies Santa likes. They want to leave his favourite out for him on Christmas Eve. In the past Santa had asked that instead of cookies they leave celery and carrots as he needs to watch his waistline. This year, however, Santa is saying he does not want any snacks or treats. He wants the boys and girls to instead pick out something at the grocery store that they can give to the food bank. He talks to them about how many people need help and that if they just gave a little something that would be so much better than cookies for him. The parents are usually first surprised and then touched and grateful. Through this very simple direction Santa is encouraging the kids to think of others, to consider sharing, to be mindful of need and to build compassion.

There is a lot wrong with the world. Global conflict and the plight of so many leaves us gasping and overwhelmed. We can’t do it all. Much of what is going on we can’t even comprehend. But just imagine what would happen if we did one good thing. And just imagine if every person in the world did one good thing. Billions and billions of good things would happen. And, in fact, Santa has taught me that in the face of so much that weighs us down, there is much that lifts us up. The delight in the eyes of a child, the joy of a parent, the beaming pride of a grandparent, are gentle reminders that there remains goodness and love in the world.