As we shared in a previous blog post, we have decided to tell our children The Truth About Santa Claus from the get go. However, this does not mean that our children do not know who Santa is, we do not shun Santa, we do not tell our children to look away or to not say his name or sing Christmas carols about him. They simply know that he is just make-believe. With that being said, over our Christmas vacation our entire family got to experience the “magic” of Santa Claus with Ryans family. Two of our nephews who are slightly older than Novella, still wholeheartedly believe in the magic of Santa Claus and we thought it was very special to get to experience a full on Santa ordeal with all of the kiddos.

Ryans parents have a friend named Chuck, who’s wife had passed away several years ago, and he was going to be spending the Christmas season alone. They asked him if he would be interested in dressing as Santa and visiting the kids on Christmas eve, and he gladly accepted. His lady friend was supposed to come as Mrs. Claus, but unfortunately her daughter was having some medical problems and she had to leave town to help her daughter. So it was a true blessing that he was able to come spend Christmas eve, and part of Christmas day with the Frazier Family. What significant and generous offer to share such a special time with our family.

Ann Marie (Ryan’s mother), had little gifts wrapped for each grandchild, sons, daughter, and son and daughters in law. Every last one of us, including Ann Marie and Howard sat upon his lap and received a gift. (Our yacht club has a luncheon with Santa every year, and both years, Novella has absolutely REFUSED to sit on his lap), so when she willingly went to sit on his lap without a second thought, it was special. Aveline on the other hand didn’t even make it to his arrival, she was so tired!

After gifts and photos, Chuck went and changed clothes and came back to enjoy the family as himself. When I was putting Novella down for bed, he went out on the front porch and I overheard part of his conversation through our open window (I for one was glad that we were in that room and not the other kiddos that do believe in him, because he spilled the beans). The special thing of overhearing his conversation was how much it had meant to him to  be there. He said, “I wish you could have seen it through my eyes, like nothing I had ever experienced before”. He proceeded to compliment Howard and Ann Marie on their lovely family and how much it meant to be asked to share the night with their family. His exact words at one point were, “The Frazier House is where to be on Christmas!”.

Before Chuck arrived we went out with to the kiddos and put out Reindeer food (bird seed and sprinkles), so the reindeer would have a snack. “Santa” also had a magic key that he could use to get into any home.  I for one, have never experienced Santa in such a way. I think this was the second time I had ever sat on Santa’s lap, the other time I was a child at the Southwest Plaza Mall in Colorado, and I had asked for a dog. I always knew of Santa, and I also always knew the truth. It was a very special time and experience (especially for me) to get to see the “magic” and the excitement through the eyes of the little ones.

Thank you Ann Marie and Howard for the unique and extraordinary experience. Thank you for your generosity and love for Chuck and giving him a notable and enjoyable time with our family. Thank you for your hospitality, your love and your  overall wonderful hearts that allowed the two weeks with you to be so memorable and special. Thank you to Meg, Chris, Jon, Tina and all the boys for making it out for the trip to see us and celebrate the Christmas season with us. It was a truly momentous and wonderful time with all!