Hark The Herald Angels Sing: 2005

Silent Night
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Away in a Manger
The Shepards Watched O'er Their Flocks by Night Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Star of Wonder; Star of Light
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
We Three Kings of Orient Are
I Stand All Amazed At the Love Jesus Offers Me.

Happy Birthday, Jesus...and thanks.

Merry Christmas and:
"Let there be Peace on earth and let it begin with me."

Mrs. Claus saying good-bye for another year.
P.S. I would like to thank all the artists, poets, playwrights, movie makers, authors, song writers and performers, and musicians for adding to our holiday season. What would it be like without you. Thank you.

Christmas Morning: 2005

"Not a creature was stirring; not even a mouse." It was so quiet. The busy night was over and WE SLEPT IN. When we did get up we opened some presents while listening to Christmas music. It was so peaceful and enjoyable. Mick and I read the blog as our gift to each other. After a few phone calls with family who weren't with us we went to see Mick's mother. Before we left we said a prayer for our family. Usually in the mornings, when we pray, we concentrate on one family in more detail and the rest generally. Today we mentioned them all. Mick said it was generally, but genuinely. Mick's mom didn't want to go out and there were probably no places open, anyway. We looked on the way to buy something for our Christmas feast. We finally stopped at 7-11. We got sandwiches, Fritos and bean dip, pop and donuts. She was very happy with that meal and our company. She couldn't believe how different her son looked now that the Santa virus has worn off. We had a very enjoyable day. We were on vacation!

Mrs. Claus

Family Party: 2005

We are just like most families...we like a party on Christmas Eve. Only difference is, these last few years we have been away and have not been able to be together during this time. For as long as I can remember, there has been a Christmas celebration with a majority of family. So the years that we have not been able to do this have been tough. An hour before we met as a family, Mick and I went to the sidewalks near a street corner and waved to cars passing by. Some of our family parked in a nearby parking lot and watched us as we greeted children and their families who came around to meet us. Later, back home there was an air of festivity. Several in our family wore hats of the holiday. There were Mr. and Mrs. Santa hats, an elf hat, and deer antlers. We had a potluck snack for our feast. We had drawn names and opened the presents after they had been passed out. Santa did the presentation that he does when we visit other people's homes. He showed them the disappearing red scarf trick as he explained how Christmas spirit can just disappear when we don't do what we should to keep it alive, and what can be done to help it return. The red scarf represents the Christmas Spirit. He explained to them the meaning of JOY. And of course we had a Rudolph. I read the book I Believe In Santa Claus by Diane G. Adamson, illustrated by M. Chad Randall. The night before we had a huge sleepover in our house. We watched videos of when the children were growing up and laughed and laughed. We had lots of visits going on here and there. It was a wonderful time to reconnect and share of ourselves with others. Mick and I are so grateful for our posterity. If we could decide on one thing that is the best about life it would be the love in our family. No one prepared us for how great it would be to have adult children. To watch them be parents to their own children is amazing. One of our grandchildren had little shoes on like in the Wizard of Oz. I keep thinking of Dorothy clicking her heels and saying, "There's no place like home. There's no place like home." How true.

Mrs. Claus

"I Believe. I Believe.": 2005

"I believe! I believe!" We were in Albertson's picking up a few things. Mick was in the card section, getting one for me. A man came running up to him, voicing his belief. He just kept going on and on and was so sad that he didn't have his son with him. Leaving the store we met a man who had a dozen rozes for his love. He saw Santa and said, "You should get some for Mrs. Claus." Flowers are always nice. Santa was trying to decide what to get me for Christmas. I have worked on this blog as a gift for him. I told him that if he wanted to give me something I would love, he could read the blog. That would mean so much to me.

Mrs. Claus

You're The Talk Of The Office: 2005

"You're the talk of the office." That was the word passed on to Mick as he worked away at his day job, dressed as Santa. When you look at him it is hard to realize that he is still very serious about his work for the company. Whenever he would take a break from his work station and people could not find him he would hear over the intercom, "Santa, paging Santa. Would you please come to the lobby." He would make his way and find fellow workers and sometimes some children ready to greet him. One time he was leading some in the Rudolph song and the receptionist would "Shhhhhhh" him and said she could not hear the phones. So they whispered the song. It is probably the first time Rudolph has ever been whispered. Ha ha!

Mrs. Claus

Stops Bullets and Speeding Children: 2005

Mick went to work the month of December dressed in Santa casual cloths. He had many experiences. One day a man who had lived by us before we both moved, brought his young daughter, Caroline, to see Santa. For most of her life Mick had been her Santa.

In the beginning she was very shy around him, but this time when she saw him she ran quickly to him with such force that it shoved his pocket watch into his belly. "Whoa, it stops bullets and speeding children" he exclaimed!

He was happy to see her and that she remembered him. He felt she was relieved that he had found her once again because she was worried when they moved that Santa would not know where she was. She presented Santa with a drawing. That pleased him very much. Good to see you, Caroline.

Mrs. Claus

I'll Have A Car Wash, Too: 2005

Careful planning sometimes proved to be scarce
and while we were "out and about" we needed to get gasoline for the car.

There was good weather. Santa decided to get a car wash too. Since you had to prepay I went into the store to give the credit card to the cashier.

I heard the people talking about Santa, who was primping in the reflection of the pump.

"He's so cute!" was a common voice.

Yes, I would have to agree and though many say they would love to "take him home", I'm the one who gets to have that honor.

He came in, acknowledged the lineup of people, paid for his gas and we went through the car wash. It's so nice to meet friendly people wherever you go.

Mrs. Claus

Wanna Trade?: 2005

It's hard to know how three three-year olds and a baby are going to respond to Santa. Often children of this age are afraid. As we entered the home there were mixed emotions and the safety of mother's arms and father's legs was held in high regard. Santa tried to hold the ringing of his bells to a minimum and used a softer "Ho, ho, ho." It helped and soon the young children were feeling brave enough to gravitate towards Santa's direction. The baby came to me without hesitation...something that tickled me to no end.

The first little boy wasn't sure he wanted to go to that "silly Santa". He had both pointer fingers in his mouth. It was hard to understand what he was saying. That seemed to be common among all of them. The next boy got out that he wanted a "aekell.kcopeter". We finally figured out that he meant a helicopter. It was the third boy who made the evening for me. His mother kept reminding him that he had something in his pocket for Santa. Finally he reluctantly took out a pacifier and made a trade with Santa--the binky for a Christmas present.

Santa took it from him. We talked about it on the way home. We hope this doesn't end up turning this little boy against Santa and Christmas forever. I mean, it could be very tramatic. We thought about him all night long. Good luck, little one.

Mrs. Claus

Bluebeard the Pirate: 2005

Santa loves cookies. He does--all shapes and sizes. So don't get me wrong when I tell you that I've heard him declare that his favorite treat to be left out on Christmas Eve is blueberry pie. He shies away from eating it the rest of the year because it stains his beard. But on Christmas Eve it doesn't matter. He is just going to go on vacation the next day anyway. He might go to the Bahamas and they could call him Bluebeard the Pirate.

Mrs. Claus

He Left It Just For Me!: 2005

It is always so welcome to hear stories from those whose paths we've crossed. Recently we heard of a little girl who saw Santa's staff when she visited him. It is not always easy to know what goes on in the mind of a little child. Sometime after their visit she was walking and saw a gnarled stick lying on the ground. It was shaped somewhat like Santa's staff. She was so excited when she saw it. "He left it just for me!" she exclaimed. She took it home and put it under her bed for safekeeping. Isn't it amazing how children can find joy in the simple things of life.

Mrs. Claus

Tradition: 2005

Tradition. It is important. There are many traditions in our lives--for everyday living, for holidays and festive times, for sacred moments, to help us relax. You name it. We have many traditions. Santa has his traditions also. He fancies himself a good singer. One time he practiced for many months because he wanted to play a part in Fiddler on the Roof, as Tevia.

He sang while we watched TV. He sang while we ate. He sang in the shower. He sang everywhere. About all that remains of Tevia in our life is that Santa has a hat in his wardrobe that he wears now and then. He loves it. You go, Tevia. You go!

I have my traditions also.
I love to study about other countries and learn about their traditions.
In our own family
we often take a country
and make it the theme
of our personal
Christmas celebration.
It has proved to be a lot of fun and
makes us feel closer
to all of mankind.
After all, we are one big family.
Merry Christmas, everyone.

Mrs. Claus

Rudolph Had His Groove On: 2005

When we visit families, it is common that Santa has someone sing the Rudolph song with antlers and a blinking red nose. First he tries to put bunny ears on the person, until the laughing children alert him that something is wrong. Then he blames the Easter Bunny. The other night we had a very energetic participant as Rudolph. As singing filled the room, with the help of children and parents, he started dancing around. What a sight to behold. Never have we seen Rudolph done with such gusto. Rudolph had his groove on!

Mrs. Claus

You Might Save A Life: 2005

Sometimes Santa gets requests for pets.

All of us know how much they add to our lives.



I've heard him tell children that he doesn't like to bring pets.
He would rather bring gifts that go with pets and have children go with their parents to the Humane Society, Pet Stores and Animal Shelters to pick out a pet. That way a bond can develop between the child and the pet.
That is so important.

Santa loves to get
requests in his letter
--and upon his knee--
for items that can make
the pets life better.

He loves animals and
delights in knowledge
that they have been and
will be kept in good care.

And besides...you might save a life.

Mrs. Claus

A Native American Blessing; 2005

We had enjoyed very much our celebration of Christmas with a group of Native Americans. The children were excited to see Santa and receive a little present. As we were getting ready to leave we were asked to stay just a moment longer. They wanted to have their medicine man give us a blessing to help us on our way. They placed us by the Christmas tree. He explained to us a little about what he was going to do and proceeded. As he swept eagle feathers over us, it was beautiful and I was very overcome with emotion. I knew that this was something that was very important. They wanted to share it with us. That is when you know someone loves you--when they want to share with you what is closest to them. The tears fell freely as we thanked him when he was through. We bade farewell with very warm hearts. Who knew it was cold outside. They also gave us each a piece of beautiful Indian Jewlery. What a precious, wonderful gift--the whole day!

Mrs. Claus

Hug Attacks: 2005

Hug attacks. Santa has them. Those who know him well can tell when he is about to be overcome. And he never seems to be able to get enough. He is very affectionate and will give you a hug--with permission. It doesn't matter if there are one or forty people. He will try to get his arms around everyone. It's not that bad. It's actually very pleasant. I've always said that there is magic in his arms.

Mrs. Claus

My Mittens Are Stuck!" 2005

Subway's was a warm island of good smells. We had spent quite some time on the street corner, waving as cars passed in the light snowfall, and wishing Merry Christmas to all who honked their horns at us. We were praying that we wouldn't cause any accidents. It was a delight to see the expressions on the faces of children as they peered out their windows. Some rolled the windows down and shouted greetings. The day was winding down and our stomachs were hungry and our toes were getting cold. So we had made our way to Subway's. We have been going to a different eating establishment's drive thrus during the week. This time we went in. As was usually the custom, I was carrying Santa's wallet. It was less complicated for me. But today I had red mittens on to keep my hands warm and when I opened the wallet they kept getting stuck to the velcro. It was frustrating! The season is winding down--always a bittersweet time. This one week left and it will be over. It is a time to reflect on the spirit that is upon us at Christmas. Wouldn't it be nice if we could continue with it throughout the year. If we would find just one way to serve someone each day this world would be such a better place. The power of one is an awesome thing. Each of us can make a difference. I'm going to make it a goal--won't you?

Mrs. Claus

Do You Believe?: 2005

Believing is one of the most important factors of Christmas. There are many things to believe in: Ourselves, those we love, that right will win over wrong, in Santa Claus, and the list goes on and on. But most important is that we believe in the one whose birthday we celebrate. It all makes Christmas. So many times I have heard Santa talk of these things. He asks that before you open your presents you take time to think about what Christmas is all about...even sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. That would be nice.

I've heard him give a challenge to make a committment.

He asks a child to look him in the eye and repeat:

"I do believe. I do. I do. I do."

Christmas will always be a part of our life as long as we believe.

"I do believe. I do. I do. I do."

Mrs. Claus

Santa Has A Wardrobe: 2005

Did you know that Santa has a Wardrobe? Do you know what that is? It means that he has a variety of items of clothing and accessories to wear. He likes to change things around here and there. He has different hats and gloves. He has different robes. He has different boots. He has vests and neckties and different pants. He even has two different pocket watches and one of them is from Russia. He has cloths to dress up in and casual cloths and then the very necessary relaxing cloths that are very comfortable. Sometimes people have a very definate idea what Santa should look like. They look for certain boots or gloves. And when they don't see them they feel disappointed. They just don't realize that Santa likes variety also. All you have to do is look at the many different cards, books, and figurines of Santa to see that he likes to wear different cloths just as much as anyone. And the same is true of me.

Mrs. Claus

Like Rabbits in Headlights: 2005

We went to the mall to see our granddaughter perform a dance number.

It was decorated so merry and fine.

We even went to a movie because we had a little time.

Everywhere we walked we got reactions.

It was tricky because the mall had a resident Santa and you know the rule:

"No two Santas in the same place."

But we were incognito.

We walked out of the way as much as we could, but still it was there...the "rabbit in the headlights" reaction. You know--where someone sees you, stops and stares, as if they are in shock. It is like they are paralized. Some stare for a really long time, forgetting manners about such things.

We give a smile and a little wave and that seems to snap them out of it. It's like they think we don't see the condition they're in. I don't think some of them even realize what they are doing. It is so fun. We stopped to have something to eat. A little girl came up with her father and he said that she had seen his boots and that was a dead giveaway. It's fun how they notice the details. She was one of many who "discovered us."

Some look at us like they have a big secret connection because they "get it".
Some look away really fast and pretend they didn't see us.

Some get so excited and jump up and down.

Some take pictures. Some just ignore us.

We really try to blend in but it is kind of hard.

Even in regular clothing we get noticed.

Mrs. Claus

The Life Fully Lived:2005

There are many touching moments as we visit families.

One cannot say that any of them are more touching than others.

I cannot write of them all because there are so many.

I do want to tell you of one woman we visited.

She was of a great age and recently had had many health problems. It doesn't matter as much what they are as how she has lived and who was surrounding her. Her family members were there with her. Recently they have sacrificed much to give her round the clock care. It is wonderful to see them giving back to someone who has given to them over the years. Her eyes glistened with a spirit that has not died, as she watched her grandson play the part of Rudolph with the antlers on his head and a red nose on his own. We have to mention that he was in his thirties and being a very good sport. She even laughed a little when Santa gave him bunny ears at first. "That Easter Bunny's playing pranks again!" She watched as her great grandchildren received their gifts from Santa. She watched her daughter with pride and thankfulness. She has given her unselfish care. It is not hard to see the love her posterity has for her. They planned our coming, with her in mind so she could experience it. The body grows old and deteriorates.

It is part of life. She apologized for her condition as we left.

Apologize? My dear, you have nothing to apologize for.

For as long as we have known you, you have been kind, generous, full of fun and life.

Just look at the posterity that you have.

Apologize? For what? You have had the life fully lived.
May God go with you.

Mrs. Claus