Day 14: The voice of an angel. Children of all sizes and shapes trade stories and wishes with the man in the chair, and today was no different. In some cases they stand outside the barrier to entry waving their hellos some waving their goodbyes as they pass by. Some children who make it down the tree-lined path with great anticipation fail to make the final steps in approaching Claus... this is when the work of the man in red goes into full swing. Sitting in the chair alone causes some anxiety for a child when they approach, after all, now they are in contact with a living breathing entity of which their previous association might have been a story book, ad on television or cartoon displayed on the same screen. Typically when something like this happens I get down onto the floor and try to connect with the child by playing with some of the brightly wrapped packages around the set. Sometimes its a stuffed animal, or the bell I have sitting on the arms of the sleigh. Either way, its a attempt to engage the child, and hopefully make the best of what might be an uneasy experience. Some children can get Claus to the ground like this, but most seem to be as natural running up to me, taking their leap into the sitting position to tell me their stories, wishes and desires. Today was more of the same... A little young lady of three approached with her parents. Dressed in her holiday cheer, adorned with some the the largest, and most beautiful blue eyes I have seen to date. Her smile radiated warmth and tenderness. Her disposition cheery. With plump little cheeks that seemed to be filled with strawberry jam, and locks of golden brown dressed about her face-she indeed could be described as a cherub. Once upon my leg, she held her hands tightly together and placed right underneath my bearded chin. She was in full smile mode as the camera clicked off shot after shot. Lights seemed to flash all around us. Her eyes were bright and her smiled shined on for each picture taken. She had that little hint of shyness and coyness about her... and when I asked her questions about what she wanted for Christmas she spoke softly with her responses. We talked for minutes and her manner stayed pretty much the same. I told her that she was precious, a beautiful little angel placed on this earth to spread cheer, and happiness, to which she seemed to agree by nodding her head. She infused me with a wonderful feeling of joy and gratitude. I was being given another gift of the season through this young lady, and renewed sense of appreciation for the opportunity to share in a moment that many might overlook. Her father approached from the side to remove her from our sitting perch, and when he came close I asked her one more question-Sweetheart-where did you get all this lovely light and happiness from? And without a second missed she responded with the biggest grin, From God. How could I hold any emotion back after that moment... redemption had come in the form of a voice of an angel today, and from the heart of a three year old who paved the way with her purity. For me I knew in an instant they were one in the same. Love Santa.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 13:48:44 +0000
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