I don't know why but this popped into my mind and got me thinking. It was the Christmas season, 1985, in Houston. A friend of mine worked for a large department store chain. Her store had hired a Santa but he canceled at the last minute (illness or something, I don't remember) and Lynda asked me to fill in the next day. Oy. Not really my thing but its Christmas and kids are expecting St. Nick to be there. What can you do?
The next day I show up, put the suit on and do the best I can. I did insist Lynda be one of my elves and help me through this. It was a less than stellar performance but at least the kids saw an old fat guy in a red suit and a beard. After that was over we visited a shelter for runaway and abused kids. That was more rewarding but heartbreaking at the same time. At least I got to give all of them a present, bought by a sponsor. That made the whole thing worthwhile but when we left I hit my favorite bar and drank a lot of beer. It was hard, getting those kids out of my mind.
The next day I show up, put the suit on and do the best I can. I did insist Lynda be one of my elves and help me through this. It was a less than stellar performance but at least the kids saw an old fat guy in a red suit and a beard. After that was over we visited a shelter for runaway and abused kids. That was more rewarding but heartbreaking at the same time. At least I got to give all of them a present, bought by a sponsor. That made the whole thing worthwhile but when we left I hit my favorite bar and drank a lot of beer. It was hard, getting those kids out of my mind.