I have probably had a beard almost my entire adult life. I believe there are only a few times that my children have ever seen me without one. If they were to see me shaved they would probably issue a silver alert. Normally I keep it trimmed, and even cut to the “scruffy” ruggedly handsome look – if I was 40 years younger and 20 pounds lighter that is. Last year a month before Christmas I decided to let it grow without trimming until after the holidays. The fact that is almost pure white gave me a bit of the Santa look along with my “jolly old soul”, bit of a belly and glasses. With that in mind, I decided to go with it. Starting in mid December I would always go out with my Santa hat on. It wasn’t long before I would get an occasional awestruck look from a toddler – I loved it.

The nearby University has an annual Winter Spectacular Christmas open house with wondrous outdoor festivities, including train rides, stilt walkers, manger scenes, fake snow, and of course the “real” Santa. As we walked around the campus enjoying the free food and hot cocoa, it wasn’t long before the children passing by started waving and calling me Santa. One darling little girl came up to me and asked me point blank – “are you Santa”? I told her very politely that I was not Santa, but that I was his helper and that I would be seeing him soon. I told her that Santa knew her very well and would remember her on Christmas. She then matter -of -factly told me that I needed to tell him Not to miss her this year! It was a hoot and a half.

This year I decided to start the Santa beard even sooner. It is not really that long or bushy but is longer than any time in my life. Lately I have thought about just shaving it back down because it was actually taking some effort to comb it. I had not used a comb in 20 years – and now I had to have one for my face – crazy. Until a few weeks ago that is! We were visiting 2 of our grandchildren and our 3 year old granddaughter said “Grandpa – you look like Santa”. I knew then that the beard had to stay.

Last night we were at a mall out of town and inadvertently walked by the actual mall Santa set up with the elves and Rudolph and Frosty, giant candy canes etc. – and as we passed – the “real” Santa gave me a jolly old wave and a nod. I felt like I was just invited into the club. Validation!

Today we were doing some last minute shopping and I went to the local Target to pick up some stocking stuffers. As I was walking down an aisle I heard a little girl say to her mother, “Look Mommy. Look behind you. Is it him? Do you think it is Santa? Look Mommy.” I was melting with joy. Soon the mother and daughter came close by. The mom said “go ahead, ask him, don’t be afraid, just ask him.” The little girl came up to me and quietly asked in almost a whisper, “Are you Santa?” I told her no, as I had the children the year before with some gentle comments about Christmas and Santa knowing her etc. She seemed satisfied with my answer and the Mom was pleased that I didn’t ruin anything or act stupid. I walked away smiling and feeling so happy.

On my way home from Target I stopped at CVS to pick up some stuff. As I walked down an aisle a laughing elderly woman stopped me and said, “Oh My God – I’ve lived over 70 years and I now finally get to see Santa – let me tell you what I want!” It was fun – I told her –“no need, I already know what you want!” She said “of course you do-well then, I suppose you also know where I live.” I said “of course”. She said “good, then leave my present on the back porch – I want the one with the double hopper as you know” and laughed and walked away. (I had no idea what she was talking about.)

She heard me exclaim as I walked out of sight “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night”.