December 8, 2006-- I'm often asked if children have changed over the years. Not as much as one might think. They do ask
for toys that are more technological in nature, such as i-pods, and PSPs, and they do seem somewhat more aware of world events.
However, their eyes are still full of wonder when they hear of reindeer, elves, and my Christmas Eve trip. They still smile
as they describe what they are going to leave out for me on Christmas, and they still earnestly attempt to recall all the items on
their list. They still see the world with fresh, alive eyes. What if we all did? ~S.C.
December 9, 2006-- Another very busy day. Time for just a few gems, like the two year old who wants "gum and sunglasses".
Or some responses to, "What do you do to be good?" A 3 year old: "I have to smile." (I believe a reference to mom and dad's
desire for a good picture). "Eating cookies with grandpa," that's good, indeed! By the way, I've heard a lot of references
to my similarity to grandpa, pop-pop, or grandfather this year. Enough said. Ho-Ho! S.C.
December 10, 2006-- Sometimes I receive credit for things beyond my realm. A happy grandmother told me about asking her 3 year
old granddaughter where she got her cute belly button: "Santa gave it to me," was the response. I'm afraid I can't take credit
for that. Another little one said that she knew she was good because, "In kindergarten I got happy notes." What a grand
idea! I think I'll start it at the North Pole. When was the last time you got or gave a happy note? Ho-Ho!
S.C.
December 11, 2006-- My heart was touched by a young girl who dug into her purse to pull out $4.33 that she had saved up to give to
me for kids who were in need. She was only about 5, yet clearly in touch with the spirit of the season. A couple touched
my funny bone in response to questions about being good. A 7 year old boy said, "I'm getting better every day." An older
brother said of his sister, "She's been sort of good. I've been really good." And a little girl made my day when she said,
"Santa Claus, you look handsome today." Ho-Ho! ~S.C.
December 12, 2006-- "I'm taller than he is 'cause I eat too much junk food." A 4 year old boy about his 5 year old brother.
"I want big boy underwear." This 3 year old's mom acknowledged, "We're working on that." "Do you give God given powers?"
Why? "I want powers like Tony Hawk, the skateboarder." "I want a deer stand." Why? "To go hunting with dad."
Do you hunt reindeer? "NO!!!" Thank goodness. Have a good one! ~Santa
December 13, 2006-- A 3 year old boy said he wanted, "An icky gooey on my head. It's green stuff to put on your hair.
It's fun." Fun comes in all forms. He added, "I don't have on my grumpy face any more." One 4 year old discussing
what she liked about Christmas said, "I like the stars when they twinkle in the sky." They are extra bright this time of
year. Another said what she liked was, "Sitting in your lap." A 7 year old said, "Remember me? I left you
pajamas out with the cookies." I do get lots of gifts and am always appreciative of them. ~Santa
December 14, 2006-- "Does Rudolph live in the house?" An interesting question from a 4 year old. Another 4 year old asked
for, "A door with a button," a headscratcher, as was, "A giggly mask," from a 3 year old. However the 11 year old was quite
clear when he asked for, "A note that says I can remodel my bedroom." When asked if he had been good, a 4 year old immediately
responded with great confidence, "You bet!!!", and a 4 year old girl said, "My mommy spanks me to be good." A 6 year old had
an answer that was wise beyond her years, "Actually, I'm just being myself, and I try to help other people." Exactly.
It's getting more and more hectic and wonderful as Christmas nears. Ho-Ho! ~Santa
December 15, 2006-- Wow, only 10 days 'til the big one and the little ones keep coming up with gems like the 6 year old boy who said,
"I want people who don't have homes to have a place to live, food, toys and drinks." Another assured me, "I'll cover my ears
if I hear you." And one more acknowledged, "I want a Power Ranger set with guns and everything, but it's too expensive."
You never know. Twin 6 year old sisters said in regard to being good, "We stayed one day without fighting." It's a start.
Two sweet young girls touched my heart when they arrived wearing matching shirts printed with, "Santa Rocks". Pretty cute! Ho-Ho!
~S.C.
December 16, 2006-- Children continue to come up with unique responses to being asked what they did to be good. A 5 year old
boy: "I can't remember for a long time." "My teacher said I've been the bestest boy." "I'm trying to." Sometimes
the brief visit gives a look into the child's life such as the joy of parents with their infant who had just been adopted today,
and came to visit me as part of their celebration. Or the young boy who said, "I want a tractor at my dad's house 'cause mommy
took one." One little boy said he would leave me carrots on Christmas Eve. When asked who they were for he replied, "The
Easter Bunny." I didn't tell him that it's a little chilly for Mr. Bunny in December. Ho-Ho! ~S.C.
