I wore the Red Suit (19 page)

For mercy sake, do not fall asleep while sitting in Santa’s chair. I have seen Santa’s dozing if there are no children waiting in line. Although, I never seem to have that scene, as there are always children waiting in line. There are many times I go past my shift time, or closing, as there are still children waiting to see me.

It has been such a long day sitting as Santa. Nine days until Christmas and I can hang up my Red Coat for the year. The lines to see Santa are long; the end is almost out of sight. People hurrying; arms loaded with gifts; some wrapped, others in large handled bags with the name of the store on it, displaying large colored advertisements. There are children laughing, children crying, children fighting, parents fighting, all going on at the same time. The squeal of the mall’s announcement system complete with hundreds of speakers, and at least eight of them reverberating right over my head. Add the music from several stores, and the din is almost overpowering. Through all that, I hear a little girl whisper into my ear, “a dolly.”

Many Questions

           
Just as there, are many different, children out there, unique in their own understanding? There are hundreds, perhaps even thousands of questions a child can ask. Some will make a grownup think hard about it. I have put together just a few of the questions the children have generated. The most obvious I have omitted.

“Santa, if you are here, where are your reindeer?” “On the roof, I tell them.” “Can I see them?” “Reindeer are shy; if you look, you may see them.” “Where is Mrs. Santa Claus?” “At the North Pole making cookies for the elves and me. She also helps wrap presents for all the good boys and girls.” “Are you really Santa Claus?” If I am daring, I answer yes. (We are all a Santa, to some extent.) However, I have to be prepared to prove it. (Remember Santa knows their name, he can do some magic, and he can tell them what he gave them last Christmas.) If I know that there is a chance, they will prove me out, then I tell them no, I am just one of his helpers. I tell the kids about Santa's helpers all over the world. Occasionally, before Christmas, Santa comes in person to sit with the children.

“Where are your Reindeer now?” “My elves took them back to the North Pole, so they can help get ready for Christmas.” “How many elves do you have?” “Why, there are two hundred and twenty two elves at the North Pole.” “Santa, do you know all their names?” “Yes!” “Are there any girl elves?” “Yes, there are over hundred girl elves.” “Is there baby elves too?” “Yes, the last time I knew there were fifty-six baby elves.” “What do elves eat?” “The same things you and I eat.” “Can you bring some elves with you next time?” “I will try, but they can get very busy making toys.”

 
“Why didn't you bring the bicycle I asked for last year?” “Santa's sorry he did not bring what you wanted. However, remember, I said I would do my best.”
 
(I always make sure a parent is listening to this exchange of dialogue). I never commit to bring anything unless parents ok it first. I usually say. "Santa will do his best,” or "I'll try to bring you what you want."

A teacher in an elementary school had her students write Santa a letter and to ask him this question. "How do you get to all those houses in one night?" All the children used crayons or colored ink pens. They made some very good pictures on their letters too. The teacher then told them to take these letters to the Santa at the Mall where I worked. This teacher knew me and wanted to get a laugh. I must have had several kids a night give me these letters, all with the same question.

         
If I am stuck, I try to say something; even improvising at times. I do not try to fool a kid with fancy words. The way I speak to kids is that they feel you are interested in what only they have to say.

         
There are times that Santa has to be an ear too. Children will tell you some things that they would not normally tell their parents. I do not try to be a psychiatrist. I just listen, and give constructive answers. What I do tell them first is that they to seek answers from their parents before anyone; even Santa.

If a child asks for something specific for Christmas, I say it right back at them. It shows them that you are not a lump on a chair. Moreover, if you repeat what they wanted, the parents can hear you. After all, they are the real Saints out there.

When I am asked; "how do you know I have been bad or good?" I usually respond with "my elves tell me, and the birds and squirrels tell the elves.” I have learned it is not good for a child to think some man or elf is looking in through their windows. It may scare them, and I will never intentionally scare a little kid. Since a child is used to seeing birds outside their windows and in the trees. I tell them the birds come and tell me what they are doing. I have not met a kid yet who was afraid of a bird.

“Santa, do you know when you mix around your name it spells Satan? My Daddy told me about him. He said he is very bad, and we should not listen to him. You are not that guy Satan are you?” I looked into the young boy's eyes and smiled. “No Kyle, I am not. Your daddy is right, and you should not listen to Satan. He is very bad! I am here during the most important time of the year. When Jesus was born. I try to be like Jesus. Helping people, bringing presents, and caring about my fellow man. The spirit of Christmas is in all of us that are good and true. It is beyond Satan to do good things.” “I am glad,” Kyle says inching up a little closer to my chair. “But, why do you have the same letters in your name?” “That is a good question, I must remember to ask Kyle my head elf. He is the keeper of all the children's names. Wait a minute” I say? “You and my head elf have the same name. Isn't that grand!” We both laughed as he walked away to tell his father of our conversation.

“Santa can you die?” “Santa lives for a very long time” I said back to the little boy with the big eyes. “Santa was born just like you. As you can see, I am starting to get very old. However, I have and will live for a long time.” I have heard that question before, so my response depends on the child and their age. Most times, I tell them Santa lives a very long time. Then I steer the conversation toward toys and Christmas. Usually I can get them to move on from that question. Nevertheless, I do answer what they ask. Talking about Barbie dolls Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers will keep a child focused on those items and not about dying.