Santa’s Helper Remembers

Taken from the Herald’s Christmas edition Dec. 23, 1987. 
I retired two years ago from being  a “Santa’s Helper.” And, after 25 years of “playing Santa,” there are some fond memories: some bad, some good, but memories just the same. 
I’d like to share some:
Like the time Santa had to cross the toll bridge between Wildwood Crest and Cape May and didn’t have a quarter. The toll collector let me pass with my threat of coal in his stocking.
Of the time when riding on top of a fire truck with both hands waving in the air, my pants fell down (without realizing it) because of the drawstring waist.
One Christmas Eve, I went to a child’s home, knocked and “ho, hoes” my way into the living room. The child acted very surprised, but didn’t relate the way he should have when having Santa visit his house on Christmas Eve.
After I did my bit and left, his mother came out on the porch and apologized for the child’s disinterest. It seemed another Santa’s Helper had left three minutes before I arrived.
That reminds me of visits to our local hospital.
For 15 years, I made visits on Christmas Eve to the children’s ward and most of the rooms and, with few exceptions, was the only Santa there. I made my last visit when I bumped into three other Santas (on a stretcher)with a fake broken leg, being pushed by some rescue squad members.)
I enjoyed making “believers” out of a lot of children by sneaking up to a window in full dress, knocking on the window, letting them see me, and then disappearing without a word. I often wondered if some parents didn’t think about that one themselves.
I no longer do the hospitals of Christmas parties, or the 25-30 house visits on Christmas Eve. But I still get dressed every Christmas for a visit to a very special person.
This special person was born with severe handicaps. But the part of her brain that retains music and holiday festivities is as sharp as ever. She knows that, when the Halloween candy is gone, it’s time for the lights, music, decorations and her annual visit from Santa.
In all my years of being a Santa’s Helper, at all of the different parties functions, and visits with hundreds of individuals combined, none can compare with a half hour visit with my special friend.
To see and hear her spirit and song is enough to make anyone believe in Santa — and any Santa believe in himself.
When Rudy penned the above he was the Herald’s advertising manager; he later became its general manager and is retired. He resides in Rio Grande.