Christmases past – My Visit with Santa

    Every December, Mom and Dad would take my older sister, Eileen, and me to visit Santa Claus.  Oh, what a thrill it was just thinking of seeing our favorite guy in that red velvet suit and that beard – I wanted to touch it, but wasn’t sure….

    One of the best Santa visits happened in the early 1950s, when I was just 3 years old.  That year, unlike past years, the visit to Santa would be just Mom, Eileen and me.  Dad had to work overtime at his job and wouldn’t be able to accompany us.  Of course, my sister and I were disappointed, but Mom promised she would get us to the American Legion Post in our hometown without any problem. 

    After supper, we  dressed in our winter coats, leggings and mittens and headed for the American Legion Post on Main Street, Royersford, PA, where Santa was waiting to greet all of us and I could tell him what I wanted for Christmas.  The excitement built as our car got closer to the building.  There were still a few parking spots available – hurrah!  It had snowed just a little, with a light sprinkling of snowflakes covering the ground, the trees, and bushes, adding that perfect touch of sparkle to the excitement that I felt.  

   Inside the large hall, I remember just a short line of other children, all of them eager to sit on Santa’s lap and request their favorite toy.  After a few minutes, my sister and I got to meet him – what a thrill!  Just a little nervous, I allowed my older sister to go first, which was protocol for sisters.  After she sat on Santa’s lap and talked with him, it was my turn.  I had to climb up a little as Santa was quite large, with a huge belly and a big black belt. 

    I was in awe – here was Santa Claus!  I had no trouble remembering what I wanted that year – a new doll with blonde hair, just like mine.  Mom stood to the side and smiled the whole time.  When my chat with Santa had ended, my sister came back to Santa and we were encouraged to have our photograph taken with Santa Claus.  The photo below was taken that day, many Christmases ago…

    The reason Mom was smiling so much was not because her two daughters were thrilled to visit Santa, but because the man “playing” Santa was my Dad!  Neither Eileen nor I had any idea that we sat on our Dad’s lap, told him what we wanted for Christmas, or guessed who he was!  This photo is a treasured memory, since my beloved Dad has passed, but I display the photo prominently each year in the living room, time and time again, where everyone can see it.   I’m the smaller one on the right side with the coat, furry hat and leggings.  It was years later after my sister and I officially admitted Santa was a beloved character, but not really “real”, that we were told who Santa was.  Everyone else in the American Legion hall knew!

   I remember that Christmas, even as young as I was.  I got exactly what I asked Santa for – a new doll with blonde hair, just like mine.