As with every household this time of year, there are several traditions that we practice. Certain decorations have their spot in the house, certain tree decorations are strategically placed in a better, more visually appealing, location to remind us of past celebrations; even the choice of tree topper is a source of “who claims first (we have multiples here).”
Even though we hold MANY of these items in importance with fond memories, there is one, one item or set of items that cuts right to the heart of our Christmas celebration; the top item, handled with reverence, stored with care, preparation and stealth. That item is “The Suit.” The Mister Christmas suit, the “Ho-Ho-Ho!” attire. The Suit, consisting of a coat, pants, beard, wig, hat, gloves and even a pipe.
In the interest of keeping some sense of magic here, I will be referring to the actions happening in this article from here on out as “helping Santa” – not to indicate that I am afraid of little eyes reading this article but because I believe that we ALL need a little magic, even in the very farthest regions of our imaginations and face it, when you think of me “helping Santa,” somewhere you smile a little and say to yourself, “Yep, I can see him doing that.”
A little background on The Suit. Back in the mid 1960’s when JC Penny’s still had a fabulous store-front presentation, it is my understanding that a family friend “helped Santa” in the department store visiting children who came to see him and when he could not, he would call on my Dad and my Father would fill in “Helping Santa” with a bright Red Velvet outfit that MY MOTHER HAD MADE BY HAND, which then was sent down the visitation line over the years in my family with my sisters, through me, on to the NEXT generation of nieces and nephew, then on through with my son and I am proud to say has continued on to this day with my Granddaughter, RaeLynn!
Now, let me share this with you, speaking from “the inside,” when you turn the corner and the ENTIRE ROOM gets a glimpse of you “helping Santa,” there is not ONE sad face in the entire room! Everyone greets you as a friend, shakes your hand, laughs more and the room just feels better.
I have “helped,” Goofy, Darth Vader, Jafar, Governor Ratcliff, Baloo the Bear and MANY others, but I assure you their is NOTHING like “helping Santa,” for the room … or for the “helper” either.
