Playing Santa

Yesterday was a very busy day. By the time I was sitting down to write the blog I was spent.  I had fallen asleep in my chair right after I sat down and began checking messages. I woke up and took care of a few more pressing things and then we did scripture and prayer and went to bed.  Actually, Andy fell asleep on the other chair at the same time I dozed off, we were all a little tired. Must have been the early start to the day as we went over and helped clean the church and helped get a few things set up for the Ward Christmas Party that was scheduled for later in the day.  

I was asked last Sunday if I would play Santa for the Christmas party.  I had mentioned a couple years ago that we had a suit in the family and would let someone borrow it if we couldn't make other arrangements for a Santa. The idea was that someone else could borrow it not that I would play Santa.  Well, the kids are older now and don't require my constant supervision so it really wasn't a big deal for me to put on the suit of red.  As I mentioned, it was a new experience for me and the suit was definitely hot.  

During the week I pondered the idea of playing Santa and gave some thought as to what I might say to the kids that came to see me, well, Santa.  It was a big task. I was representing someone else or some other idea.  Santa means a lot of things to a lot of different people and I didn't want to let any one down.  There were three things that came to my mind and included joy, love, and encouragement. 

Joy was really the tone setter.  These kids were usually pretty excited to see Santa. I wanted them to feel how excited Santa was to see them. It was joyous to see the light in their eyes and the smiles on their faces.  I did my best to show them my excitement and love for them individually.  This was awesome, it was indeed joyous.

Love. These were great kids and I wanted them to know that they were loved. I talked to them about the love that their families had for them and how good it was to visit with them.  Is their really a greater gift than love?  I hope each of the children walked away knowing that they were loved. 

Encouragement was giving them a call to action, an invitation to do good, to be good.  Shortly after beginning to bring the line of kids I received a package from Dan Dotson with wrapped pieces of coal to give out to teenagers and those that might be deserving of it. This was more of a joke for some of the older youth. It was fun and I talked to them about how good they each were. I would give them the lump of coal and then talked about it serving as a reminder to always do good, to do their very best. I talked to each child that visited Santa about showing love for their families and being helpful, especially during the holiday season.  

I asked them what they wanted for Christmas.  Some knew it exactly and spit it right out.  Some took some time to think about it. Some didn't care.  One girl asked me about a unicorn.  I told her they were beautiful animals but hard to come by.  I would have to see what I could do.  One little girl came up to me multiple times to excitedly tell me something knew she had forgotten.  It was great. I really enjoyed the excitement and wonder of the children.  

It came time for Santa to go.  I made my way out to my car and as I pulled away I spotted three little children out on the sidewalk staring and waiving at Santa.  I slowed down and waived back to them. I wished I would have had a few more of those treat baggies so that I could take it to them. Maybe I should have stopped to say hello. Three little ones, out on the sidewalk, thrilled to see Santa and hopefully thrilled that Santa saw them and waived to them.  

I played a part yesterday. I took it seriously and tried to live up to the idea of Santa. Not so much the commercial side of Santa but a Santa that loved and encouraged goodness.  It was a good experience and it sparked in me the thought that everyday I go out and I should be an example of the Savior.  I should treat others as he would treat them.  I should look past their faults and show them love for who they can become.  I should see them as a child of God and love them as such.  

I am grateful for Jesus Christ.  I know that he lives and that he loves each of us.  I am grateful for the things this experience taught me. I hope to do better at remembering Him and striving to be an example of him in all that I do. 

       

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