By Sheila-Anne Jargowski, Court House.
What is Santa’s most time consuming and most difficult job? Sorting several tons of mail? Feeding nine reindeer? Keeping the elves on schedule? Eating just one cookie at each house? My guess is the few seconds he spends, listening to several million kids, as they sit upon his lap.
There are kids that cry, ones that stare and many that read wish lists in a number of different languages. Yak yak yak….waaa waaa waaa! Dear Santa is a good listener and nothing can surprise or shock him… well, until he meant MY kids!
Last year we went to see Santa Claus. My kid and her friend where so excited to have the chance to greet Santa in their own special way. Hair brushed, Christmas scarf on, don’t forget the list of toys and treats so Santa knows what to bring on Dec. 24th.
As my kids pulled me down Ocean City Boardwalk, they spotted him sitting in the lifeguard boat.
It is a warm and sunny day and Santa is smiling and listening to each child as they sit on his lap to talk and get a picture taken.
My girl Cleopatra and her best friend Pippin scurried up the steps and pushed each other as they entered the lifeguard boat.
They clambered swiftly toward Saint Nick, growling and pushing to be first.
The twinkle halted in Santa’s eyes. The joy drained from his face. The smile became puckered lips of surprise, just before his jaw slowly dropped. Was Santa Claus feeling the fatigue and fear of too many years of kids racing toward his lap? Were my kids forgetting that being good, when Santa is watching, is essential if you want gifts placed under the tree?
Santa Claus had been hugged and kissed by kids big and small, he has braved the cold and dark of night, he has handled toy shortages and cranky elves, and on this day he pulled out a little of his magic and took charge. His smile returned and his cheeks became rosy. He lifted his gentle white-gloved hand and ever so softly speaks the language that my kids understand.
“Sit,” said Santa, and they did.
Mr. Claus took hold of the leashes, gave both hairy kids a hug and posed with them for a beautiful picture!
My kids and Santa had a little chat and then it is off his lap and back to the car.
The Christmas spirit brought a little magic to that day as I witnessed the brief miracle that happens upon Santa Claus’s lap.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Cleopatra Jargowski and Pippin Stewart.
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