Christmas at my house is always at least six or seven times more pleasant than anywhere else. We start drinking early. And while everyone else is seeing only one Santa Claus, we'll be seeing six or seven.
- W. C. Fields
My earliest memory of Christmas is pretending to be intrigued by the age old stories of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snow Man as I held my little books in my lap. I was not allowed to help decorate the tree as I apparently did not do it 'right'. So as my sister and mother joyfully decorated the tree, I remained alone on the couch .
My eyes would wander over to the wooden manger with all of the statues of animals, shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph, and of course the baby Jesus in the manger. The star that was placed by edge of the roof always held my attention. There was an unexplainable significance in the star always remaining just out of my reach.
Every Christmas Eve my family attended church services. As a small child, I did not feel much of a celebration with the birth of Christ knowing that he would soon be crucified. My imagination, however, was always captivated by the brilliance of all the candles filling the church. This fascination with the flickering flames of light continues today.
Santa Claus was important to me, but not because of any glamorous presents and toys. He brought a sense of magic I desperately needed in my life. It was difficult for me to stop believing in him and to face my emotional isolation. I was 13 years old when I finally released my childhood fantasy of Santa.
As an adult, I began to shop for wooden Santa Claus figures. I have accumulated quite a collection, purchasing one per year. I have kept them in a cabinet for many years, always displaying them at Christmas time. Each Santa holds unique meaning for me and individual placement is given great care.
Every Christmas, my children received presents from Santa, and the gifts were signed with distinguished penmanship. I created a specific signature for "Santa"
which I continue to use to this day. As grown adults, I believe that my children continue to enjoy the random surprises found in their stockings that "Santa" continues to fill.
The child in me still watches for Santa Claus as
I realize that no matter how old you are or what he is named (Santa, St. Nick, Father Time) he is a symbol of hope. Every year, my lips break into a smile every time I hear, "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!"
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