Are You Really Santa?

Are You Really Santa?

          It was December 24, 1968. My youngest cousin on my father's side of the family just celebrated her second birthday the day before. We had gathered at my Uncle John and Aunt Martha's house for the annual family party. We always looked forward to these parties and could hardly wait to get together with the family. Including myself, there were twelve grandchildren that ranged in age from 2-14. The party was held in their basement.

          After arriving and getting liquid refreshments and snacks, we would settle down and the adults would talk and catch up on daily life. The kids would play and keep themselves busy until it was time for dinner. When it was time for the evening meal, we all sat down at the tables and feasted on delicious, homemade cuisine that satisfied even the hardest to please.

          After the dinner, and when all the dishes were washed and dried, was when the time which the children looked forward to the most came - opening the presents. This year was going to be somewhat different, but none of the children knew it. My Uncle John had just disappeared and nobody, including my Aunt Martha, had any idea where he went. The younger kids were getting antsy and upset until we all soon heard"Ho! Ho! Ho!" coming from the basement stairs. Soon, we saw a red hat appear and then a pair of black boots. Next was a jolly old man with a white beard and a sack on his back. He proceeded to sit down next to the Christmas tree and all of us kids were very excited. The excitement was overshadowed by laughter when my cousin, Mark, who was then 9 and "Santa's" second son, pulled his beard off. The younger kids began to cry. He was reprimanded for his a=ction by his parents and we all thought we wouldn't get any gifts.

          After the commotion died down, the kids heard another person coming down the stairs. At first, an elf appeared and this gave credence to the possibility that Santa was there. Sure enough the man in the red suit came down the stairs and he had a huge sack on his back. Our excitement was overwhelming. We each stood in line, patiently waiting our turn to talk to Santa. When it came time for my brother Paul's turn, he shook Santa's hand, and had a smile on his face. My brother, David, who was 3, stood with hands on hips next to Santa and gave him a confusing look. He wanted to pull his beard, but was restrained. He wasn't sure if it was real. After all, the first"Santa" was our uncle. Paul was 5. After Paul finished his talk with Santa, he left and Santa asked David what his name was and if he was being good. David replied in a stern voice "I'm always good."

          Santa then asked David what he wanted for Christmas. The reply was RockEm Sock Em Robots, and Tonka trucks. Santa also asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. David said a policeman. David then asked Santa what he wanted to be when he grew up. Santa was taken aback by his question and just chuckled. It was at this time that the elf said he wanted to be Santa.

          The next morning, we awoke at 6:00 to see if a visitor had bestowed us with his presence the night before. The four of us, which included my sister, Donna, who was then 4, descended on the living room to view a tree that had a treasure trove of toys, games, and dolls. Among the treasure were the two gifts David had asked for: The Rock Em Sock Em Robots, and the Tonka trucks. David asked my parents how Santa got in since we didn't have a chimney. They were perplexed how to answer. The question soon left his mind as he was engrossed in his new toyland.

          My parents still have the picture of that night and every time I see it, I laugh at how funny that night was. Both brothers are now grown and are working for Ford Motor Company. Paul is an Electrical Engineer and David works in the Truck division. I wish there was a way I could put the picture on here, but I can't. I am very close to David.

Word Count:734 words