The Santa Claus Story
Previous StoryNext StoryMy husband and I were sitting in a Burger King, having lunch, when a lady approached us and asked, "Sir, would you mind coming into the playroom with our children?" We looked up at her and back towards the room where about 20 little children's faces were pressed against the glass looking our way. "The children think you are Santa Claus," the lady said.
My husband had a white beard and was wearing a Santa hat and a red shirt. He smiled and said, "Sure!" And off he went with a big smile and a little bounce in his step.
He sat down on one of the small tables so the kids could approach him and said, "Hello, boys and girls!" The kids were giddy and took turns coming up to him and telling him what they wanted for Christmas.
As I stood at a distance and watched him, I could see the joy and fun he was having. The group was from a daycare school, and the teachers were so pleased that they could add this moment to their student's outing.
Since that day, he has played Santa at many schools and events. When he starts to grow his beard in the middle of the summer, I know he is preparing for his role as Santa Claus. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, he puts on his red Santa hat and Santa persona and starts having fun.
He laughs a lot, bursts into joyful song unexpectedly, and talks to strangers everywhere we go. I love watching him. In everyday life he is a quiet man, a retired minister and a chaplain for the VFW(Veterans of Foreign Wars).
There was another kind man who began the tradition of Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas was born a long time ago during the third century, in a small village of Myra, which is now called Turkey.
His parents were very wealthy. They raised him to be a devout Christian and died when Nicholas was very young, leaving him a large inheritance. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering.
He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
Under the Roman Emperor, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. After his death, at age 73, the legend of his gift-giving grew. Saint Nicholas transformed into the legendary character called Santa Claus, who brings Christmas presents to children around the world.
What to do when your children stop believing in Santa? Tell them about this kind man who continued the tradition of giving. Because we know who began and gave the greatest gift of all when he came into this world to live and die for our sins so that we might have eternal life.
In fact, maybe that would be a great way to start the Santa tradition. Tell the children the true story of this kind Bishop who gave what he had because of his love of Jesus.
Author for Morningcoffeebeans.com
Great story! And you are married to Santa!!! Love it!
I know! It's great:) Thank you, Kim, for commenting and sharing.Merry ChristmasDeana
What a beautiful story! Wish there were more people like your husband in the world! ππ π»π
Michelle, thank you very much. And thank you for sharing my stories.Merry Christmas,Deana
What a special husband you have, to give up his time just like that. I had no idea where Santa came from so thank you so much for sharing another great story.
Thank you, Anita. He's a good man. I am glad that you enjoyed the story. Merry Christmas,Deana
Deana, I love your stories. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and Monroe.ππ
Sharon, thank you so much. I am glad that you enjoy them. Merry Christmas,Deana
What a lovely share, and his heart, as well as that beard, makes him a perfect Santa!
Yes, Libbie, he loves playing Santa. Thank you for reading and sharing my storiesMerry Christmas,Deana
This must have been so much fun for you both! Loved this story !! He makes the perfect Santa
Thank you, Maria. He loves this and it brings out such fun in him. Deana
I love how you've humanized Santa Claus! And that's such a sweet story about your husband. Have you ever been tempted to play Mrs. Claus?
Sara, I did one year and it felt odd for me. I am the one who is usually talking, laughing, loving while taking his pictures, though. And I am the one that keeps up with everything:)Thank you, friend,Deana
Awwwwwwwww, what a beautiful thing for your hubby to do. Those little ones must have been over the moon <3 My kids stopped believing in Santa when they went to high school and I wish I know the story of Saint Nicholas back then. It would have been such an amazing way to transition from the Santa and his elves to a real Santa that we can all look up to and try an emulate.
Thank you, Michelle. We went through the same thing with our kids as they grew older. And it has only been in my husband's retirement years that he has been able to have this much fun at Christmas. Like many dads, his load was heavy taking care of our family needs back then.Much love,Deana
I love your stories and I think what you write is so important because people don't know the truth behind a lot of traditions.
Thank you, Teresa. I love writing the things that are in my heart and memory that may touch or stir other hearts.