Pam Dudding Contributing writer
Kids love to see Santa, but what some do not realize is that Santa loves to see the kids just as much.
There is a special bond between kids and Santa. Something that no one can really put their finger on. It just “is.”
The underlying reality is that Santa has a heart of love, which comes from God above.
Kids recognize that and they are drawn to it. Their innocence relates to a true heart.
This year, though the annual parade was canceled in New Castle, Santa still came to visit, and he even left a note to the citizens of Craig.
“I was asked a couple of weeks ago if I would be interested in donning the big red coat and filling in for Santa and talk to the children of Craig County. At first, I was reluctant because I didn’t want to say something wrong or scare the kids, but the more I thought about the more I wanted to do it.
Since our parade was canceled this might be the only time some of these kids would get to see Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.
When the time came and cars started lining up to see Old Saint Nick, I was getting a little nervous but then, when that first kid stepped out from their SUV and walked over to the carpet that they were to stand on, and a big smile came over his face, all my nervousness went away.
We started talking about how good he had been this past year and what he wanted for Christmas.
This procedure went on almost nonstop for the next two hours.
Each and every child had a conversation with Santa and as they would leave, each child received presents and had their pictures taken with me.
After a night of watching these kids smile with excitement and hope for that special gift from Santa, it made me wonder why I hadn’t ever done this before.
To see the look in these kids’ eyes with all their innocence sure was very heartwarming and knowing that you brightened the hearts of these children is a feeling this Old Santa really enjoyed.
I hope I get the chance to do this again next year because it sure was a lot of fun.
They say that the Grinch’s heart grew that one day three sizes.
It seems that this Santa’s heart had the same reaction. Not that he was a bad Grinch. He just had no idea what joy he would get out of thinking he was just doing this for the kids.
Yes, this awesome jolly Ole St. Nick will be back.