EVERYWHERE — Santa Claus is and always will be real.
I’m talking about the jolly old elf who works all year to get ready for his annual global trek, delivering presents to all good boys and girls.
Santa never disappoints. Somehow, he manages to know exactly what gifts to bring and he carries them all in his sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer, with the red-nosed Rudolph leading the way.
While good little boys and girls sleep, Santa lands his sleigh on the roofs of their houses, drops down the chimney and places gifts under the tree.
In what may be the most challenging part of his job, Santa devours cookies and milk at just about every house he visits.
I have always marveled at this man’s incredible energy level and his stamina, not to mention his longevity. How old is this guy?
It was with much anticipation I approached my interview with Santa at his home. Apparently, Santa has been living in South Wilkes-Barre for some time now. On Grebe Street, of all places. I’m told he keeps several other residences, as well — he may live next door to you, too.
I knocked on the door. Santa answered. We shook hands and he invited me to have a seat in his living room. Mrs. Claus was in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Santa sat in his chair next to his Christmas tree. He was, as the poem goes, a right jolly elf. He laughed a lot — a hearty laugh and even several “ho, ho, hos” came out.
Santa answered all my questions and never even asked me if I had been naughty or nice. He knew. I could tell he knew. I’m hoping for the best this year. A big screen TV would be nice, I told him. He didn’t say yes, but he didn’t say no, either.
I asked him what he enjoys the most about being Santa. His answer was quick — “The kids,” he said. “Definitely the kids.”
Santa said there is something about watching each child as he or she approaches him. He talked about that glistening in their eyes, their anticipation and sometimes their apprehension.
Santa knows kids can get a little anxious when they come face to face with him. It’s one thing to see Santa on TV or in a book or in a parade. To actually see him up close and personal can be intimidating.
Kids get nervous because they don’t want to mess up. The last thing they want to do is give Santa a reason to scratch things off his or her list.
Santa can’t mess up, either. He can’t give any child a reason to think he might not be real — that it might just be Pop-Pop or Uncle Bill under that beard and red suit.
No way could that happen. After all, Santa is the real deal and he can’t risk having anybody — especially older kids — start rumors that there is no Santa Claus.
Santa is always prepared when he enters a room, whether it be at a school, a mall, a department store or a church. He will be ready to deal with all who take the time to come see him.
He knows how to send a message, too. For instance, he knows when to ask a kid how their dog, Fido, is doing. Like one kid said to his parents, “That’s the real Santa. He even knows the dog!”
Santa said there are tough times, too. Like when a child asks him to bring his dad back home, or to pray for his little sister or brother, or grandparent.
Sometimes kids ask for things even Santa and his elves can’t provide — unicorns are a good example.
We talked about the report that Santa has “helpers” in places he can’t be. Santa said that’s just a rumor; he assured me he is, indeed, everywhere.
Sometimes, Santa said, he takes on different forms. He might look just like someone’s mommy or daddy, or granny or pop pop, or even an aunt or uncle. You just might not realize it’s him at times, but it is.
He also told me he does see us when we’re sleeping; he knows when we’re awake and he really does know if we’ve been bad or good.
After sitting with Santa for more than an hour, I was convinced. Not that I ever doubted Santa was real, but sometimes I wondered how the guy can do this every year, especially at his age — again, whatever that may be.
Santa leaned back and smiled. He can understand how some people might think he’s a spirit or a figment of the imagination. Or that he might just be a symbol for all that is wrong with Christmas. You know, that whole materialistic argument.
But Santa knows Christmas is, for many, a celebration of the Christian observance of the birth of Jesus Christ. He gets that, but said he has a job to do, too.
Before Santa sent me on my way, he told me to never forget he is always around. Sometimes, he can be seen wearing that famous red and white suit and other times, he’s right there next to parents as they decorate a tree. He’s next to the cashier at the toy store. He’s around the corner at the big box electronics store. He’s whispering in the ear of Mom or Dad.
Sometimes, he won’t answer to Santa. He might be in disguise. At times like this, his name might be Paul, or Crusher, or Ricky or even Mom or Dad.
Santa Claus is real, alright. As real as real can be. To think otherwise would be foolish.
One last tip from Santa — get to bed early. Santa never knows what time he will get to your house.
I’ve never been to the North Pole, but I don’t need to go there to verify what I already know.
Santa Claus is and always will be very real.
Bill O’Boyle
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Bill O’Boyle
Santa Claus talks about his upcoming global trek of delivering presents.
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Santa Claus talks about his upcoming global trek of delivering presents.
Pete G. Wilcox | Times Leader
By Bill O’Boyle
boboyle@timesleader.com
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. For more inmformation on the real Santa Claus, call or send an email.