On Being Santa

On Being Santa

Family Promise Needs Him 

Over the decades, I have been asked to become Santa for a time to spread some holiday cheer to those who need or miss it.

My first time was in State College, PA as a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. I donned a borrowed suit, hat, wig, beard and a bag of candy and strolled through the shops and taverns in that small down spreading smiles with a hearty Ho-Ho Ho. I didn’t just greet customers, but went into kitchens, behind bars and into back wrapping rooms to add some merriment for those who were trying to make other happy. 

My wife brought our three-year-old daughter downtown and we met up on the street, much to her surprise. I bent down and in my best disguised voice said, “Have you been a good, little girl this year?” She peered into my eyes, paused for a moment and replied, “Hi Dad.” We both smiled and laughed. I’ll never forget the experience.

My next adoption of the Santa persona was for the Washington County Humane Society’s Pictures with Santa fundraiser. Local folks brought all manner of pets down to the old strip mall between Kohls and Shopko to have me stand, sit or lie down with their critters for a picture they could use as a Christmas card. I had a lot of fun, raised some needed funds for the Shelter, but had to clean the suit of lots of lots of extra fur. Most enjoyed the experience and I did not get bit by anything or squeezed by the constrictor. All in all, this was a success too.

I donned the suit more than once for holiday parties at our local Democratic Party office where Christmas took on a more partisan tone surrounding the election or issue of the moment. Still I was able to coax a smile and a carol out of these more serious crowds as we shared Merry Christmas treats and libations. Success again.

My most memorable excursion into Santa’s world came this past Thursday night when my wife and I became Santa and Mrs. Claus for the Family Promise of Washington County’s Christmas party at Holy Angels School. We entered the room full of families who have or are experiencing homelessness and were greeted by the innocent, believing smiles and wide eyes of small ones who flocked to us for hugs and surprises. 

Even though these children are living in poverty and the uncertainty that accompanies it, they made cookies for Santa and Mrs. Claus which they gave to us with great joy and wonder. We could see the pride of accomplishment in the decorations and sprinkles. We thanked each one and mostly followed with a hug. Some asked where the Elves were or how old I was. Each got an answer and a smile. 

We sat for pictures with the kids. Some came with their siblings or a parent to capture the moment. After pics were snapped, each child got to pick out a stuffed toy from a large box. Many had to come back to show us what they picked out. Teens came with friends or siblings to sit on Santa’s lap for a picture and a toy. The large ones also got special Green Bay Packer socks wrapped with love at the North Pole by Mrs. Claus.

We ended the short evening with a photo of Santa and Mrs. Claus with all of the Family Promise volunteers who had worked very hard to pull off a successful dinner and event with the Clauses. It was an honor to be with them and to share, at least for a moment, in their joy of a job well done. I was glad to see some old friends among them who took time out of their busy lives to make the lives of others a bit better. They smiled and I consider the night my best Santa yet.

For those of you who don’t know about Family Promise of Washington County, check out their website at https://familypromisewc.org. If you don’t believe that one of the wealthiest counties in Wisconsin has a homeless population, read about the work these great volunteers do throughout the year to help those struggling with that very real problem right in our hometown neighborhoods.

If you are looking for a great cause to support that makes a real difference in the lives of folks right here in Washington County, consider a donation to this great organization. They have a wish list on their home page or just send them a good-sized donation. It will be well used.