Best Christmas Memory

Posted: Dec 23, 07 11:45am

I went searching for a subject similar to this but could not find it. So I decided to start my own.

For many, many years - beginning shortly after Thanksgiving - I morph into Santa Claus. I am naturally built for the part and I’ve ho-ho-hoed at stores, private parties, family gatherings, etc. It has been the source of many wonderful times and many associated memories. The memories of today may eclipse all my previous Santa memories.

This year I was asked to participate in the county’s "Shop with a Cop" program. I was reluctant at first because I prefer smaller groups. But a ride on a helicopter and my daughter’s enthusiasm for the program finally won me over. The program was designed to help present police officers in a positive light. As it was explained to me a child must have a social or economic need. I was told that a few children were from families where the only interaction with a police officer has not been the best. Some of the children were physically or mentally disadvantaged. Others were chosen because one of the parents was in the military and serving in a warzone. From the moment I stepped off the chopper, it became obvious that this was special. Every one of these children had a delighted smile from being driven around in a police car, with lights flashing and sirens blaring. They were having fun and it showed.

There was one cute little girl with nothing much to distinguish herself from all the other cute little girls. Even what she wanted for Christmas was the same as many of the others. What set her apart is that she wanted a Brat doll and she had eyes big enough to be such a doll herself. After telling me her wish, she shyly took her candy cane, and went off into the main part of the store to do her purchasing. If she had not returned later, she would have been filed into my memory banks as just one more cute little girl wanting a doll.

Sometime later, she came back. This, too, is not unusual. Several others had come back also. Some just wanted to talk to Santa Claus again. A few were con artists in miniature, trying to get a second candy cane. Several were excited and just had to tell somebody they knew all about what they had just bought for themselves. On this day, Santa was the only one they knew. Whatever the motivation, it all boils down to more fun and enjoyment for me.

As I lifted her onto my knee, I said, “Hi, young lady. It is nice to see you again. What can Santa do for you?”

“I just wanted to tell you not to come to my house this year. You can give my things to another little girl.”

I was surprised. “Why?” I asked her.

“I bought my Christmas presents already”

“You did! What did you buy?” I was thinking that like some of the other children, she would tell me all the things she had bought for herself.

“I bought my Momma some jewelry and I bought my Daddy a watch.”

“Oh, I bet they will like that! Did you buy anything for yourself?” I asked.

If she said anything, I did not hear it because she bounded off my lap and ran to the wrapping station. It was a good thing she did. Cute little girls should not see Santa with tears in his eyes.

That is my Christmas memory. What is yours?