Somewhere around 1977, I had become old enough to realize the “truth” about Santa, and I boldly declared I wanted to be Santa Claus.
So, rather than go and buy one of those “cheap” Santa suits to fulfill my dream, mom decided she would hand sew a suit for me. So, she took me down to the local fabric store – and I personally chose the fabric Santa’s suit would be made of. Velvet red. With white fur.
If I recall, my first beard was pieces of white nylon rope that we “frizzed” out. Later on, I special ordered a white wig and beard.
And Santa’s boots? Well, at the start I wore black boot covers. Later on, I couldn’t wear those awful cheap leather boot covers – I had to have the “real” thing.
Black military boots completed the ensemble.
My first “gig”, if you will, was to hand out oranges to the residents of the local nursing home in California. What an eye opening experience for me!
A 12-year old Santa, walking around the nursing home, handing out oranges to the absolute delight of the beautiful residents.
Several years later, now in New England, a local photo shop was looking for a “Santa” and sought me out. We had a number of “sittings” to do with kids of all ages, and dogs. It was amazing that a few folks wanted Christmas card photos of their dogs with Santa as well.
At one point, it blew my mind when I learned the photo shop had created more than 1500 Christmas postcards with my likeness – as Santa – and their clients that were mailed all over the country, perhaps the world. And, me? I was burning out.
I had lost the true spirit and meaning of Christmas.
So, I buried my handmade suit back, deep, into my closet.
I needed to go back and find the reason for the season.
This week, as I read from Matthew, words jumped off the page at me, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” –Matt. 6:33 NKJV.
Seek the kingdom, and His righteousness.
Isn’t that the perfect theme for Advent? To seek God, and His righteousness? To set aside the distractions. To attend services, read our Bible and, like the wisemen, to seek Jesus? Where will we find Him?
My two handmade suits are still buried deep within my closet. Several years ago, at the request of a local friend, I took the newest one out and suited back up for my town’s annual Christmas tree lighting on the Common. I got to ride on the fire truck of my choosing. I got to listen to the kids, of all ages, and their many requests. A few even brought a gift for me. But, while things can and usually do get crazy, the biggest blessing was being there for the kids.
And, for Jesus.