Santa (almost) Quits

Yesterday marked the end of the City of Charleston's Holiday Magic program, and my final day as their Marion Square Santa this year. This has been my fifth Christmas as The Claus, and I've seen over 1000 children since December 2nd. This year, I've really noticed the same children from previous years who are starting to grow up. I probably remember them better than they remember me (a year's a long time for a fourth grader).

I'm not a Christmas kind of guy. I enjoy receiving presents much more than giving them. I hate shopping at this time of year, unless I see what I need the instant I step in a shop & there's no line to pay for it. Christmas songs make me want to hurl. The day before Holiday Magic started, I wondered how I could get out of the job - the mere thought of wearing an itchy beard and a fur-lined suit in 80 degree heat was enough make me want to quit ere I'd begun.

Yet the Santa job gets to me. The kids' excitement and their unstinting belief in the Big Lie that is Santa eventually gets me in the Christmas spirit, too. With the same carols looped ceaselessly at my grotto in downtown Charleston, I end up singing them at home.

So there's the answer: even the scroogiest bugger can get in a festive spirit if he plays Santa for a while. Merry Christmas, and here's hoping that you get the chance to do a good deed this week and catch a bit of Holiday Magic.

Now excuse me while I go hurl.