A Christmas Eve: 2003

Christmas Eve was spent doing Mr. and Mrs. Santa for free. Four families with several children were visited. It was the best. We were away from our own families and thinking of them on this special night. It helped to fill the void to watch the faces of the sweet children we visited.

Mrs. Claus

Dancing Santa: "Hey Dude": 2003

The company party at Santa's work had Santa ride in on his motorcycle. It was held in a fancy motel. Santa really liked that. Later he was given a dancing Santa who was dressed in a leather jacket and playing a harmonica. Even later we found a motorcycle with Mr. and Mrs. Santa on it. We bought it. A motorcycle was part of our lives and these were enjoyed very much.

Mrs. Claus

Poppin' in: 2003

One afternoon we finished a company party at noon and had some time on our hands.
We went to some of the stores where we shop and popped in to mingle.
Then we stood by the side of the road on the sidewalk and waved to the cars.
People honked their horns. It was so much fun. I was really loosening up by now.
The weather was warm enough that we went home and got on the motorcycle.

I put green pants on under my dress.
Then we rode around town and to the mall.
People took pictures of us with their cell phones.
I was on such a high that I hated to see Christmas end. Boy, Santa really succeeded in getting me out of my shell!

Mrs. Claus

Nativities: 2003

Our church held a special two nights. Several nativity displays were shown in the rooms of the church. People from all over the area come to see them. We were among them. Santa had casuals on.
Many children stopped him to tell him what they wanted.

He would lovingly tell them it wasn't the place to discuss that.

This was a special place. Then he would talk to them about Jesus and the nativities.

A Downs Syndrome boy was there. He had also been to a church party we had done. He was so glad to see Santa again. He told Santa "I've seen your movie." meaning the Santa Clause. It was great to see all of the children. The above nativity was made by Mrs. Claus in the 1960's out of egg shell molds and plaster and bits of paint and material scraps.

Mrs. Claus

Church Dinner: 2003

A church dinner was held. We didn't go as Mr. and Mrs. Santa but I guess we still looked the part. People asked us for a picture with them so they could prove we were in their church.

One Sunday,

the conductor of the meeting suddenly stopped,

looking at Mick, who was dressed in his Sunday suit, and commented on how good he looked. Merry Christmas. Mick was Father Christmas for a women's church meeting. He and I made an entrance. He handed out gifts and then told a story they had given him beforehand.

Mrs. Claus

We Like Your Lights: 2003

One of the funniest things we did was, after parties we went through a fast food drive-thru and watched the reactions of the workers. It was fun!

Another favorite thing was to drive around, looking for homes decorated pretty, then stop and knock on their doors and tell them we just wanted to tell them how pretty their lights were.

Most were thrilled to see us but one woman was very cautious. She said soberly, "I don't know you." We said that was OK. She didn't have to let us in. We just wanted to send greetings. Merry Christmas. She didn't relent.

Mrs. Claus

Getting to Know You: 2003

Mr. and Mrs. Claus had a few home parties this year, a few church parties and a few company parties. All of them were fun. I enjoyed being able to watch Santa weave his magic with the children. At one home party there was a handicapped child. She was very young. She had been born without hands. She used her feet as hands. When Santa held her she went all over his face and beard with her feet. She touched our hearts very much.

Mrs. Claus

Mrs. Santa: 2003

I talked with our daughter about a plan for a Mrs. Claus dress. She encouraged me to do it. That night when I put the dress on and called my husband to see it, you would have thought that he was looking at me for the very first time. His face softened and glowed with love as he looked at me. It was like Santa had found his bride. He followed me all around the apartment that night. I was not brave enough to wear them out in public, except to parties, but it was a start.

Mrs. Claus

Little Girl Shares a Show: 2003

One day we went to a show. Santa had his casual cloths on. We were going to see a children's show. At the concession stand Santa met a little girl. As always he looked at the father to make sure it was OK to talk to her and give her a candy.
She was going to the same show.

In the show they ended up sitting next to each other and kept up their conversation.

All the time, Santa kept looking at the father to make sure he wasn't getting too friendly.

The father was OK with his actions.

By the end of the show the little girl was laying her head over on Santa's arm.

Mrs. Claus

Granny's Buffet: 2003

We went to eat at Granny's Buffet. We got our food and were sitting at the table. Santa turned to find a small lineup of children behind him.
He stopped eating and visited with them.
A burly man kept eyeing Santa. I was afraid there might be some trouble. He looked big and mean. Mick walked towards him to fill his plate, unaware, and I held my breath. Suddenly the man's demeanor changed and he began talking with Santa as pleasant as can be. I guess he was a believer.

Mrs. Claus

Casual Santa Cloths: 2003

The virus is back! Beard and hair grew out and turned white. Santa's love for details brought requests for better casual Santa cloths. Santa doesn't just long for children at parties. He wants to see them wherever he goes. I got out the material and made him a few pairs of pants and vests. Santa loved them. He even wore them to shows or when we went out to eat. He caused quite a stir.

Mrs. Claus