We were so excited for our first sighting of the season. We were hooting and hollering in our van screaming, "It's Santa! It's Santa!"
My daughter did not know I decided to see where Santa was actually headed. Instead of going straight through the intersection, I turned right. I wanted to know where Santa was going and what was he up to. When away from the North Pole, did he super size his fries? Was he a beef or chicken guy? Coke or Pepsi? I wanted to know.
This seems absurd that a 44 year old woman would be this interested in getting to the bottom of Santa's food preferences, but what can I say? Inquiring minds want to know.
As I pulled into the parking lot, our eyes were peeled to see if Santa was in the food line or already seated. But in the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of red. As I pulled focus I noticed red items balled up in the back of a pick up truck. As I took in the entire scene, I saw a man with red pants around his ankles standing near the side of a truck. Santa was taking his pants off in the parking lot.
"Cover your eyes!" I warned my daughter as I drove away as fast as I could. Don't get me wrong. Santa wasn't exposing anything. He did have layers on, but my fantasy world was extinguished pretty quickly.
I kept replaying the scene and shaking my head. It was not right to have a Santa disrobing in a parking lot. Don't these guys so to Santa school? Isn't there an etiquette code these "Helpers" have to follow?
The next day I went to a nearby store and once again a Santa sighting. I was with all three of my kids and yet again the response was the same "There's Santa!" Now my little guy is 7 so I would imagine his excitement is more heightened than someone in their fourth decade. But before you could say ho ho ho, he was yelling at a motorist driving though the parking lot to hurry up so he could cross.
"Come on, come on," he uttered gruffly as my kids and I took a step back. This Santa was grumpy and we didn't want any part of that.
Now it isn't even December and these guys are already disgruntled. What is going on?
I have to admit that I am not too keen on seeing another Santa anytime soon. I don't know what I am going to get. My Christmas spirit was at an all time high until I saw the remake of Bad Santa come to life.
Not for one minute do I believe that being a retail or restaurant Santa is easy. I know what some kids are like and if you aren't used to being around little ones it can be taxing. But if you are in costume, whether you are grabbing a quick bite or going to the loo, these guys should keep in mind someone could be watching. Actions speak louder than words and I am sure Santa did not change in front of the elves or yell at reindeer who got in his way.
So please, dear people who this time of year make a few bucks taking on the role of Santa, remember this is more than just a job. It is a passing of the torch if you will. A spark of magic that can last a lifetime. Please don't yell at people while in costume and please keep your drawers on until you are out of sight!
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