- By Ray Holt -
Well, here it is again, another Christmas! For this old Santa, it is time to prepare for the long lines of children who will be waiting ever so patiently today to sit on Santa’s lap. Whether tiny or large, timid or bold, patient or impatient they await their turn for their few moments with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
To concentrate our attention on each child, we ask them their names as we lift them to our laps or place our arms around them. This effort provides opportunity for us to personalize those precious few moments by positively commenting on some item of apparel or feature such as a happy smile or twinkling eyes.
Before long, we learn that some who appear to be in good health are actually in early stages of an ultimately fatal disease. For others, this is likely to be their last Christmas. These children have been brought to us by “Star Lite, Star Bright” or the
“Make a Wish Foundation.” More than a few are strapped into wheelchairs or confined to other vehicles patiently tended by siblings or other caretakers.
Every now and then, Old Santa and Mrs. Claus find themselves fighting tears as we realize, once again, the depth and extent of care required and the sacrifices these children and their families live with every hour of the day. Instead, they are determined to overcome obstacles wherever possible and to enjoy life to the fullest.
And so it goes until the last child has been seen and heard. Only then can Old Santa wave a final goodbye and call a cheery “Merry Christmas” before vanishing from the scene. Each visit, brief though it has been, is the most precious gift they could have given us this wonderful Christmas season.