I wrote and posted this last year and decided to redo it again for those who didn't see it the first time. I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
Santa Bob
Bob had been retired for over 10 years from him management position and enjoyed time with his wife Eileen. Together, they traveled all over the country and to other countries as well. A couple of years ago, Eileen had passed away from her long battle with cancer. Their children had families of their own and lived in other states. They couldn’t see Bob as often as they wished but made frequent phone calls.
For many years, Bob looked forward to the time of year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. He loved the smell of pine, the cold weather, holiday lights and music but especially his job as a mall Santa Claus. Bob never felt like it was a job because he loved it so much and the children loved him. Bob even looked like the real thing too. He wore his own outfit, had long white hair, a white beard and mustache and round belly. He had a jolly laugh that made people smile.
He would get up every morning and after breakfast, put on the outfit and headed out to the mall. He stood behind the Santa’s house waiting for the time to make his appearance. He was always excited in anticipation of seeing the children and hearing their wishes for Christmas. The mall line was long because all the parents wanted to take their child to see Santa Bob. “He was the best”, they would say.
As Bob approached the seat he could see the excitement in the children’s eye as they saw Santa Claus sitting down on his throne. One by one they would come up. Some would talk and talk and some would just cry. Some just sat there, while others would not. Each parent was trying to get a good picture of their child with Santa Bob but it wasn’t always easy. The last kid of the day approaches Santa Bob, sits on his lap and proceeds to give him a list of toys he wanted. Bob listens with excitement, smiles for the picture and watches the little boy leave with his mother.
Exhausted and tired, Bob goes to the back area behind to house and takes a moment to rest. An elf, Charlie, asked him, “How can you do this?” Bob turns to him a bit puzzled and asked, “Do what?” Charlie then says, “Play Santa and have all those little brats all over you all day long?” Bob walks over to Charlie, put his hands on his shoulders and says softly, “I do it for the children who are innocent, their excitement and especially their love. They are what is most important to me. Besides, I love it and will be Santa Bob till the day I die.”
