Parent to Parent
The Wonderment of Santa Claus
By Erica Walther Schlaefer
Every day we hear stories in every facet of the media that make us question humanity. Without these stories invading our lives, we just might be able to see the good in people. What we need to do is lower the volume on the barrage of negativity and make an effort to notice the good news in life – the good deeds that are not reported.
During the holiday season, we have a chance to stop listening and to start seeing and feeling the change in people's attitudes. As adults, we too have an opportunity to believe that anything is possible. There is an open spot on our calendar to feel like a kid again. Santa Claus is a symbol of innocence, love, and hope all over the world.
I have the honor of being friends with Santa Claus. My brother gets to live right next door to him! In fact, he is living in my grandma's former house. I met Santa Claus while working as his real estate agent. He wasn't all dressed up with his fancy outfit and shiny black boots, though. He did have a white beard, a charming sense of humor, and sparkling blue eyes. It wasn't until he gave me his card that I was enlightened as to who he was behind the everyday garb. (Yes, I said his card, as in business card.) There he was, dressed in his traditional Santa Claus outfit and the card read, "I'm always watching." We chuckled and the questions began flying about how he came to be Santa. At this point, I felt some added pressure. Did he have special criteria for his new home such as a place for his reindeer and a big workshop? Turns out he and the Mrs. just wanted a nice home near their son and grandchildren.
The Santa I know (always donning a twinkle in his eye and a big grin) very easily fits the role of caretaker of all children, and opens children and adults to the fact that there is someone special in the world. He has an uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room.
The Santa I know is also known as Jim Morris, born in Rochester in 1932. He has been married to his wife, Peg since 1959. She is referred to as Mrs. Claus from time to time but as Mr. Morris says, "Don't expect her to wear some cutesy outfit." They have three children – I wondered what his children and grandchildren thought of their dad and grandpa being Santa.
He told me, "They all say living with Santa every day is not Christmas." Makes sense to me. The family sees him as the person and not the icon. I guess that means that Santa may get in a bad mood once in a while or leave his dishes in the sink.
This man has devoted much of his life to making people feel good about themselves and he has made appearances at many places spreading joy. Santa revels in the interaction with people. He says that receiving a big smile after giving out a card and wearing the red and white suit makes him feel good all over. This brings me back to the infamous business card. They are always tucked away in his pocket. He enjoys giving out his card to let people have the opportunity to say they know someone special. I keep his card on my bulletin board, and every time I see it, I smile. I just cannot help myself.
Children and adults alike look to Santa to fulfill their hopes and dreams. He tries his best to make everyone he comes in contact with feel like someone is listening to them and cares about them. I asked Santa for one of his favorite memories. He said, " Many years ago, I met a five-year-old young lady. She came to see me (as Santa) each year. When she graduated from high school, Santa received a high school yearbook picture of her with a promise to always believe in Christmas." Maybe knowing Santa is out there in our community will put a smile on your face. If you ever get the chance to meet him, you will be captivated by all that Santa Claus emulates – wonderment, innocence, happiness, and comfort.
Erica Walther Schlaefer is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Genesee Valley Parent Magazine. She lives in Rochester, NY
This column appeared originally in the December 2009 issue of Genesee Valley Parent Magazine.