Did you ever send a letter to Santa? Did you ever visit Santa and “make a list?” Do you still believe in Santa Claus?
One of the best days of the year was when the Sears Christmas Catalog arrived in the mail. I remember my sister, Linda, and I combing through it and oohing and aahing over the cool things. The sparkly Barbie clothes, a Barbie Dream House and beautiful jewelry were always drooled over. I would start my list to Santa from this catalog.
After my list was complete I would anxiously wait until Santa came to town and we could go visit him. One year, I was 7, we went to the Village Hall to see Santa. I was ready, I had my list in my head. I sit on Santa's lap and notice his wedding ring. Where had I seen that before? I remember it looking familiar to me. Next, I noticed his white eyebrows. Weird, they look painted on. I told Santa what I wanted and went on my way believing I would get at least one thing from my list. Santa had been pretty good to me in the previous years.
Later that day I was playing at home and the doorbell rang. I don't remember if I answered the door or not, but I do remember standing at the bottom of the stairs and coming to the realization that the man at the door was Santa! He didn't have his Santa suit on, but there were those stupid painted eyebrows! And now I knew why the wedding ring looked familiar. The man at the door was a friend of my dad's. My dad taught high school and this man was a teacher, too. It was at that moment that I knew there wasn't a Santa Claus. I remember asking my parents, later, if there really was a Santa. They were reluctant to tell me, but being stubborn (yes, I admit it) I wouldn't give up and they finally admitted to it.
So, Mr. Wright next time you play Santa, please wash your eyebrows!
My blog features articles on a wide range of historical topics and includes personal stories, historical documents, and photographs. My blog includes resources for family history enthusiasts, such as examples of historical resources and articles about researching family history. I aim to provide a unique and personal perspective on my ancestor’s past, and to help my readers understand the experiences and struggles of the ancestors who came before us.
What a great story!! It's funny but I have absolutely know memory of when I realized Santa wasn't real - I guess it wasn't a big traumatic discovery for me. You were not only stubborn but smart to put all the piece together :-)
ReplyDeleteYa, know, it is those little details in life that can lead to major discoveries! LOL
ReplyDeleteCute story, well told.
Thanks Diana and Carol. I am enjoying reliving the childhood memories about Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Santa memory was one year at my grandpa Hull. I have told the story so many times over the years, I think my age changes with each telling. Let's say I was a youngster. My grandparents lived in a very small community, Old Field, MO. Their house was next to the one room school house, building also used for a church. One night we were visiting grandpa and Santa came by after the school program. Oh, my grandpa always gave silver dollars to the grandkids. I wish I could remember what I spent them on, I know I save several until I was a teenager.
ReplyDeleteI remember silver dollars. I wish I still had a few. Thanks for sharing your Santa memory.
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