Santa’s Cause
Santa Claus I still believe in you...I still believe you are true. I think back... of my kids on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning...before they opened presents...or even saw them. They didn't withhold their joy until Christmas was in full swing or until it was done or even until it started - they were excited every step of the way! Although it may have driven me crazy at the time, I have recognized this should be my model to approach Christmas or any other day...or my entire life! Instead of waiting for the gifts until I feel excitement, I resolve to enjoy every step of the way - with full faith that the gifts will show up at exactly the right time! Whether you call it faith or Santa, the result is the same: I am learning to experience the joy of giving and receiving...every step of the process - not just when an unwrapped present is in my hand! I don’t see how anybody could ever doubt that there’s really a Santa Claus…
Especially if they've ever smelled the aroma of Christmas dinner in the heat of a house filled with people. Cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters. My mom's array of desserts.
And, if they've ever seen the antics of Thunder, the Elf on the Shelf.
... if they've shared a cup of tea with the lady at the nursing home that gets no visitors.
...if they've downed a shot of Corby's honoring lives well lived.
...if they've restored or rebuilt a Willys Jeep
...if they've snowmobiled in the glistening snow.
... if they've tasted bbq chicken...THE chicken
...if they've competed in the best dog competition (which is always rigged by the way)
...if they can recognize a popping Johnny from miles away
...if they've seen the beauty of the countryside via helicopter
...if they've experienced the metamorphosis of a monarch butterfly
...if they've ever played in tikaville
...if they've ever built a birdhouse
...if they've ever planted a garden
...if they've ever had lettuce and eggs
...if they've ever heard frogs croak
...if they've ever been called a Tikka
...if they've ever been called a Bubba
...if they've had a kitten that eventually becomes a cat
...if they've climbed a mountain
…if they’ve slept under the warmth of a handmade quilt
...if they've run a marathon
I received this calligraphy set from Santa in the 1970’s. Although the ink has dried up, I still hold it dear to my heart.
Taking time to remember, to share stories and pass them on to the next generation is woven into our heritage and something we don't pay enough attention to. Christmas celebrates the beauty of everyday life and urges us to treasure the moments that pass us by so quickly. It's a celebration of the small joys and blessings that often go unnoticed amidst the chaos of our everyday lives. The real Christmas story is not the superficial tale of Santa. It is the deepest source of Joy. It helps us raise our eyes beyond this troubled world and to see the light of hope above.
(glasses and pipe belonged to my Great Grandpa)
with every cuckoo from the clock
with every link of sausage tied
every stick of summer sausage smoked
every campfire
every chime of a handcrafted Grandfather Clock
every song on Willie's Roadhouse
for every football game, basketball game, volleyball match, tennis match, swim meet and track meet attended
for every Koeze cashew nut in the world
for every bocce ball and cornhole match
for every cup of tea
with every foooooooorty-five minutes passed
with The Star so bright
As we gather at the table this holiday season in warm remembrance of loved ones that have gone before us we'll join hands as we unwrap all the memories. We will lift our hands high and be thankful. Christmas memories keep us warm inside. The circle of love. How thankful I am for all of the love. Let there be wonder and hearts that will mend.
There's that lazy boy where my Dad sat while we waited for Santa...Now Daddy's gone but we carry on. Oh how I wish I could see Mommy kissing Santa Claus...one last time. Santa Claus I still believe in you...I still believe you are true. I believe in Santa's Cause!
(my Dad with Santa several years ago)
I wish you a happy holiday season and a new year full of hope, peace, joy, and love,
B