Remembering Christmas… I always wanted to be St. Nick or Santa. When I was 12 years old, I thought, “What the heck, nobody will know I’m a girl under the red suit.” So, I did it. In 1983, St. Nick made his first appearance at our home for my sister (7 years old) and my brother (2 years old).

Many years passed, and in 2006, I was back again, knocking on doors. I spent two weeks before Christmas hand-sewing my Santa suit, and I put it to good use that year and the next. In 2008 and 2009, I took a Santa maternity leave; however, I was back on the job for Christmas in 2010 and 2011.

In 2010, Matthew was about 2.5 years old. He understood the concept of Christmas and knew that Santa would bring presents for him. He was excited and ready for Santa to show up at our door.

Santa arrived on Christmas Eve. I knocked at the door, came in, and delivered the presents. Matthew stood there, studying me while holding onto Daddy, of course. I said something to him, but instead of responding, Matthew looked around and asked, “Mommy?” He was searching for me. Oops, he recognized my voice. I guess next year, I’ll have to be a silent Santa.

Christmas 2011: This year, we were celebrating Christmas Eve at my parents’ house in Mississauga. Since Matthew had written a letter to Santa asking for a black Nintendo DS, I thought it would be fun to bring the letter with me and show him that I had it. At 3 years old, Matthew had somehow taught himself to draw faces and had been drawing them everywhere. Sometimes, he added extra hair, and if you were lucky, you’d even get a brain!

So, I arrived once again at the door. Matthew was thrilled to see Santa, surprised by the letter, but kept his eyes locked on me. He studied me from head to toe, trying to figure me out. I let out a few ho-ho-hoes but remained silent for the rest of the time.

Another mission accomplished, or so I thought.

I quickly left the room and changed back into Mommy. When I returned, it seemed like everyone was busy laughing at me, unaware that I had just been Santa.

I stood at the entrance, and my eyes met Matthew’s across the room. To my surprise, I heard him say, “Oh, it was Mommy.” Oops, he noticed the Santa glasses I forgot to swap out. When I came back in, though, he was so focused on opening his present that he had forgotten all about it.

I guess next year, I’ll have to make a Santa suit for Daddy!

COMMENTS

Comedy Plus said: December 30, 2011 at 11:42

“How fun. It’s great that you dress up for Matthew. I think it’s a very nice thing to do. I’m happy your are all well at your house too. Have a terrific day and Happy New Year to you and yours.”