Friday, December 17, 2010

Yes, Helen, There Is A Santa Claus…

There are many Christmases I could write stories about but the first one I’d like tell is about our visit from Santa Clause.

I was probably five or six and my little brother would have been two or three.  It was an exciting time around the house.  Dad had brought in the tree and it had been decorated and smelled wonderful.  The big mirror over the mantel had our MERRY CHRISTMAS  lettered greeting swagged across it and there was the smell of Christmas baking in the air.

My baby brother and I were already so excited we were probably amped up so much I’m sure we were unable to stay still for long. It was not unusual for folks to be dropping by for a visit and to exchange gifts, mostly home-baked goodies, and so I don’t remember about the doorbell ringing until I heard the jingle bells and a jolly “Ho, ho, ho!!!  Merry Christmas!”

There was Santa Claus… he was walking in our front door!  He was so tall, taller than my daddy, and not nearly so fat as I had seen him on the Christmas cards we received.  His hair and his beard was as white as the snow was back in the early fifties and he had a beautiful deep gentle voice.  I can remember looking up at him all decked out in his beautiful, soft red velvet suit, awestruck.  He visited with us for a bit and talked to us kids and then he told us he had to go, he had other families and children to see.  He gave us a big hug and told us to be good children and he’d be back to visit next when we were sleeping in our beds on Christmas Eve. 

I had seen Santa!  In our home!  He had come to talk to us!  I savored that visit like no other that I can remember.  I can actually feel the awe and excitement I felt looking up at him in our living room… the wonder of seeing him up close, in person.  I don’t remember what we talked about, what I wished for that Christmas, I just remember the feelings I had.  I wish there were photos of that visit.  I know what they would have looked like in my head… Santa leaned over a bit while talking to two little ones, both looking up at him with sparkling eyes and you’d be able to feel the animation, the excitement.  I can feel it and I can see it in my mind’s eye to this day and I’m sixty-five years old.

So try to think back and find that time that you felt such a wonder in your life, savor it and wallow around in the deliciousness of that feeling.  It can work wonders for your soul.

And always, always believe in Santa Claus because if you ever stop believing in Santa… well, that’s when you start getting underwear for Christmas.

9 comments:

Terry said...

Howdy Helen
I loved todays post so much !
You are right about that underwear :)
Thank you for sharing this awesome moment .You are truly great when it comes to writing in such a way I feel like I am right there beside you watching it unfold with my own eyes.
Take care sweet Reddirt Woman and may your Christmas be blessed beyond measure .
Until Next Time
Happy Trails

Terry said...

Howdy Helen
You must come by my blog I found something to post that you will enjoy .
It's Called Puppy Love :)
Thank you for the inspiration :)
Big hugs
Until next time
Happy Trails

farmlady said...

OMG! My sister told me she saw Santa one Christmas Eve in our hallway but in my smarty pants, 7 years older childhood I scoffed at what she told me. Now I read your post and find that there was another sighting around the same time. MAYBE SHE WAS RIGHT!!
Here's to believing.
Merry Christmas my friend.

Nola said...

Well, I for one don't want underwear for Christmas!! Such great memories:)

Lonicera said...

Hi Helen - your post has inspired me to start thinking of my "relationship with Santa Claus" (!!) for my next post. I really enjoyed reading it.
Caroline

Debbie said...

I love this post Helen!!! It's such an amazing feeling isn't it?
I do believe....but I also do need some new underwear!!! LOL..

God Bless~
Debbie Jean

hetty said...

Loved your post! I believe, but I also asked for some underwear for Christmas. I'm sure Santa will bring me some.

Debbie said...

I got the feeling just reading the post!! I still believe in Santa and will never stop.

One year when David was about 7 or 8, my brother and I had to run out to the store. He was with my Mom. My brother called the house and said Santa wanted to speak to David. Mom said David was blown away and RAN down the hall to go to bed just like Santa said. It was wonderful!!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas sweetie ♥

Anonymous said...

Il semble que vous soyez un expert dans ce domaine, vos remarques sont tres interessantes, merci.

- Daniel