The before and after Santa look.

The Santa in Mexico look will settle in after

a shower and a few days added growth.

You should have seen the floor at the stylist’s shop!

Looking forward to Christmas 2017!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

a Happy New Year and

Happy Chanukah, Chanukkah, Hannukah, Hanukah, Hanukkah,  

Christmas Joy

Santa showed up at Casa Norte's annual volunteer gift wrapping party just before the holiday. Joy, felicidad, hugs, photo opportunities, and candy canes were available for all! Look at that  beard! Do you think it is real?

Santa Sighting

On my way to the condo from my car, which is parked in the building's garage, a new garage employee was arriving at work. As I passed the office, just as she was entering the door, she forced this greeting through her deep almost screamed giggling: "Oh my! Oh my! You look just like Santa!"

"You are not the first person to say this, so thank you and Merry Christmas," I replied.

She carried her giggling and big smile into the office with her, me unable to hear her, but probably sharing her experience with the worker whose shift she was relieving.

I always feel a sense of JOY when I can represent something as magical as Santa Clause. BELIEVE!

(This photo was taken four years ago at a shopping mall on Michigan Avenue. One is the real Santa. Don't be fooled by the red and white costume!)

I Believe in Santa Claus

I usually receive what I call "Santa Sightings" fairly often during November and December. People, both young and older; approach, talk about, or point at ME with comments like, "There goes Santa!" or "Doesn't he look like Santa?" Once a group of college girls just screamed when they saw me driving by (not in costume!)

I previously wrote about one wonderful encounter with a young child in a restaurant. Click here to read about the encounter. Opens in a new window.

During the off months the Santa Sightings continue but far and few in-between.

Last year presented the first opportunity for me to BE Santa, in my fluffy red pants and jacket with white trim, black belt, black boots, and red hat with a white pom pom decorating the tip. I might add that I DID NOT need to add a pillow where Santa's jolly old tummy is supposed to be. Click here to read about my first "being" Santa.

So the motivation for this post is that I just received my third "Being Santa" request for the new year. The first is a return visit to Lieberman, the second is to help with Casa Norte's Christmas Gift Pickup at their office on North Avenue.

Today a third request came in from a photographer acquaintance who does pro-bono photography for Adoptp-A-Pet, an organization that has helped countless dogs and cats find forever homes.

I will be doing the first two but unfortunately I am busy on the Adopt-A-Pet day. Besides how merry would it be to have dogs barking and peeing on your leg or cats climbing your leg and arm?

Any way, Merry Christmas, almost!

Santa Sighting

Here it is the end of summer and the beginning of fall and I am still getting "Santa Sightings." Arrived at the sign in desk at Northshore University Health Care Systems for the two week later checkup on my Appendectomy. (P.S. I am doing very well thank you.)

At sign in I was asked my name, my birthday, and my address. The woman taking my stats then said, "You do not have a photo on file. I will take it with this camera." I asked if she was a good photographer and she replied, "It doesn't matter because you'll never see the photo but I will make sure it is North Pole quality for you Santa!"

We both laughed as did all the other people behind the counter as I wished her a "Merry Christmas!"

Santa Spotting

I know that Christmas was almost a month ago but the Santa Spottings go on. Since December 25th, I've had my hair cut and my beard trimmed so at least in my mind, I don't currently feel like Santa.

As I was putting my purchases from COSTCO into my trunk, a young couple and their five or six year old child walked by. The child pulled on his father's coat sleeve and said something I could not hear. As a result of the pull, the father shouted to me, "Nice beard!"

I thanked him and replied, "Did I hear something about Santa?" to which the child hid in shyness behind his father's coat and they moved down the lane towards the store.

I was tickled and made a note to use the experience as a post. So here it is. But then I got to thinking, "Why is being identified with Santa such a joy to me?"

I don't really behave any differently than I usually do although at times during the season I do add to the "role" when approached. "Have you been a good little boy?" or "Have you been naughty or nice. What, I have my list here somewhere," while sorting through my pocket.

Santa, to me, represents a non-denominational aspect of Christmas. While he may have begun life as a Saint, I think that his appeal and his image are mostly universal rather than religious. He represents magic, joy, love, and of course gifts. He meets my nurturing needs without my really having to do anything but look the role.

Santa Claus personifies the good in people. Does he really exist? I believe so if only in concept. It is loving to give. It is joyful to create happiness. So I do BELIEVE!

Juliet, Santa Sightings, and Kris Krindl Market

Yesterday I went to the Kris Krindl German Market in downtown Chicago. It is such a festive event with outdoor vendors, food booths, a life size Nativity, Santa's House, and a huge Christmas Tree.

Being outside in the cold, bundled up in this festive environment with many other people who are having a good time as well, adds to the holiday feeling. If you ignore the Chicago buildings and landmarks, it almost feels like you are in a small German town. But why would you want to do that when you can enjoy the tall buildings and the Picasso and Miro? The Market is a great way to begin "feeling the spirit."

SANTA SIGHTING A:
I purchased a Bratwurst with sauerkraut topped with Dusseldorf Mustard and took it into the crowded warming house. I spotted a space at a table with a mom, dad, and a little girl and asked, "Is there room for Santa to join you?" The little girl's eyes were bright and she seemed almost too afraid to hope that this was real.

I asked her if she had been a good girl and she shook her head yes. I asked her if she had misbehaved a little and she shook her head yes. He dad told me, "At least she is honest." and I agreed. I told Juliet to let her parent know what she wanted for Christmas and I would try to do my best, although I couldn't promise that I would bring everything she asked for since there were no many good children on my list. She said she understood.

I really enjoyed the game and there is a 50/50 chance that Juliet believed.

SANTA SIGHTING B:
I was peeking into Santa's house which is only open on weekends and taking a few pictures. A little boy was upset at not getting to see Santa and then saw me. I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Day off!"

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,
I have been a good boy. How about you?
Love,
Michael