Santa & Unconditional Love

 When it comes to the mythological figure of Santa Clause and the myth that we perpetuate with our children I have mixed emotions. The linear side of my brain questions if it is wise to tell and sell our children on the myth of Santa Clause knowing that someday they will find out that they have been hoodwinked. My spirit however argues that although the physical form of Santa Clause is a myth, the spirit of Santa Clause is very real indeed and that although a child will some day come to the realization that there is no one magical man called Santa Clause, they will have been profoundly impacted by the spirit of Santa and they will most likely carry that spirit within them for the rest of their life.

It was in this spirit that when asked to play the part of Santa Clause, a.k.a. Father Christmas, Kris Kringle and many other alias, that I accepted to play this jolly old fellow.

Now be it known, that I do not naturally look the part of Santa. I don’t have the physical profile, the white hair and beard, however I was approached to play this part because of my very deep voice and hearty laugh. Some padding, wig, beard and great Santa suit helped me to look the part.

On the way in to town, I practiced my ho, ho, ho’s and jolly belly laugh, wanting to be as authentic as possible. When I got into town, I went to my office where I changed into the Santa suit and donned the beard, the wig and a pair of white gloves. I also placed padding in the right places to look the part. I took a look in the mirror and was happy to see that I had transformed into the jolly old man. I was ready to go down the public square and sit upon the throne, which awaited me and meet the many children who had come out for the Christmas Parade.

I strode out of the building waiving and ho, ho, hoing to all who were waiting on the public square to greet me. I took my seat on the square among others who were dressed as elves to help me with all my little visitors.

The first child came running up to me, her eyes bright with wonder, amazement and sweet anticipation. Here was a believer, she did not see Mark, she only saw what she wanted to see, she saw Santa! In that instant I was transformed, I was in a new reality I was Santa!  I beamed with love, as did she, I reached out my arms and greeted her as if I had known her forever and had missed her for a long time. She hopped into my arms and took her traditional seat upon my knee. The spirit and magic of Santa filled the air, as her and each child who followed told me how good they had been and what they wanted for Christmas. Each one left with a candy cane in their mitten covered hands and a warm reminder that Santa loved each one of them very much. I visited with over a hundred children in all. Playing Santa for a couple of hours was a very rewarding experience. I was surprised by how many of the children’s wants were very simple. Many only asked for a dolly or a truck, some asked for new shoes or clothes. Not many asked of expensive or extravagant items. Most only asked for one or two things and when I asked them if there was anything else they desired, they happily said “no”, that’s all I want. 

At the end of the day, I don’t know who got more out of the experience the children or me. I really think I receive a much greater reward then they did. The energy of the love that they gave to me was incredible.

May I radiate that love, that pure unconditional love out to you today.

In the spirit and persona of Santa, I also would like to take the opportunity to ask all of the parents of the world who teach their children about Santa to do me a favor. Please don’t use Santa as a weapon to discipline your children. Please don’t make the hollow threat that if they are not good that Santa will skip over their house or not bring them what they ask for! If you choose to embrace the spirit of Santa and share it you’re your children, then allow Santa to be a spirit of unconditional love. This is a great time to teach our children the true meaning of unconditional love.

I can tell you this, as I held each child and looked into their eyes, there were no bad children, they were all good, and they were all the embodiment of love and the spirit of the holidays. I am truly blessed to have had this opportunity!