What Does It Matter? Ripples, Undercurrents Have No Place in the World of Santa Claus. Remember, it s not about you, it s about the children

Volume 6, Issue 2 Summer/Fall 2016 Merry Christmas from us, every day of the year SCHOOL BELLS RINGING What Does It Matter? Northern Lights Santa...
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Volume 6, Issue 2

Summer/Fall 2016

Merry Christmas from us, every day of the year

SCHOOL BELLS RINGING

What Does It Matter?

Northern Lights Santa Academy Set

By LOU KNEZEVICH

Santa Lou Knezevich, along with Santa Rick Rosenthal invite new and seasoned Santas to the premier of the Northern Lights Santa Academy in Alphareta, Ga., on Sept. 17 and 18 to learn and acquire new skills under very talented and knowledegable Santas. Pg. 3

Just because you have a beard … means nothing. Just because you wear a designer beard means nothing. I make these statements to draw your attention to an undercurrent that ripples between Designer Beaded and Real Bearded Santas. I have been a Santa for nearly fifteen years in which time, I have witnessed and I have heard of a rivalry of sorts between the two. I question why this rivalry should be. Isn’t the whole idea of being Santa to make the children happy? Why does a real bearded Santa feel he is so much better? Why does a Designer Bearded Santa feel

KRIS KRINGLE’S WISDOM

Wake Up, Santa! Breakfast! Santa Al Horton is no longer with us, but he left behind a treasure trove of knowledge through his writings and his book. This story is a favorite of both Santa Lou and myself.

Pg. 4

SANTA NEEDS YOU Thank You Mrs. Claus Santa Lou Knezevich reminds all Santas how valuable Mrs. Claus is and how she enhances Children’s lives. Pg. 8

‘Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about the children.’

Lou Knezevich

Ripples, Undercurrents Have No Place in the World of Santa Claus

a Designer Beaded Santa, related the following story concerning how he was treated. At a regional meeting of Santas he approached two uncomfortable an even Real Bearded Santas to unwanted in some Santa introduce himself. When groups? the two saw my friend, who It is simple. was dressed in a red jacket Some Santa groups, locally and clean shaven, they and nationally, have incorbegan to snicker and take porated within their name on an air of superiority. They the words “Real Bearded” asked my friend in a mockwhich obviously precludes ing way, “what do you do Designer Bearded Santas. around here, are you an elf Much is made of being or something.” Not a very in a “Santa Fraternity” and nice way to reciprocate the how often we reference introduction however, a sure “Brothers in Red” or being way to show your ignorance. in the “Red Suit.” What Why do grown men act so does that really mean if we childish? accept the look of one Santa My friend held his temper and not the other? Aren’t and did not engage these we all Santa? A friend of mine, who is See BEARDS Pg. 2

VIEW FROM MY PORCH

QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS

SANTA’S WORKSHOP

A Gift For Santa

Children Ask the Strangest Questions

A Sampling of Leather Work

Several years ago I was given a precious gift from a very special little boy with whom I visited on many occasions in a St. Jude clinic. This gift still guides me today. Pg. 17

Santa Lou Knezevich explores some of the questions children might ask, and gives us suggestions on how to handle them and some wise answers to help all Santas grow. Pg. 11

Since retiring I have been working leather in an attempt to supplement my SSI and very modest retirement. I have included a sampling of my work as encouragement for others looking for something to tie in with Santa, learn something new and with hope, extra income. Pg. 15

Page 2 BEARDS from Pg. 1

thoughtless individuals in any retribution. He also told me these gentlemans’ looks did not represent professional Santas. One needed a bleaching and a trip to the dentist to help correct his bad teeth. The other in appearance and mannerisms was right behind the first. Doesn’t it make you wonder the impression these two are making when portraying Santa Claus? Both of these men have missed the essence of being Santa and professionally portraying the character. This type of situation is what I am writing about, when are we going to stop pitting one group over another? When are we truly going to mean, “My Brother in Red?” When will we have organizations which don’t telegraph its members by the words, “Real Bearded Santas?” What will it take to bring us together? What will it take to unite us as a single minded fraternity of men who have but one purpose, which is to make children happy! My friend is very well known in the Santa community and nationally. He has been a Santa since childhood. I’m sure his time as a Santa far exceeds the time of these gentleman. He doesn’t brag about his accomplishments but he has been in demand for parades, commercials, corporate events, Television appearances and a full schedule of Santa visits thruought the year. We are on the verge of a huge Santa gathering which will be a focal point for many Santas and families. Let’s act like true professionals there and every day we

• What kind of suit you wore, velvet or wool • How much money you charged or if you charged at all • Nor the events you appeared • Or what group you belonged What matters is … • That you portrayed Santa with honesty and integrity • You shared with your peers to help foster fellowship • Your conduct exhibited was worthy of Santa

Contributed Photo

Santa Lou Knezevich.

walk in Santas boots. The following excerpt was written in a Blog by Santa John Johnson who said in a ClausNet blog entitled: “Celebrity or Servant” dated October 20, 2015. “My prayer is that we lay down our arms and unite in the cause for common good that we may truly become the servants that we need to be. In doing so may we not only become the Santa that we want to be, but may our community be viewed with loving eyes rather than those of ridicule and sadness. We must all remember that we are not here to be celebrities. We are here to serve the children. Our great heritage shows us this. May we also remember the words so eloquently set forth by Santa Phillip Wenz in his master work “What Matters:” What Matters … One hundred years from now, it will not matter ... • What kind of beard you had, designer or real

Most importantly what matters is knowing that you are blessed to have the opportunity to make the world be a little brighter and better because, as Santa, you were important in the life of a child. The only conclusion that can be made is that Santa cannot and must not be a celebrity but only a servant. May we all strive with renewed vigor to become just that. Remember: “It’s not you….It’s about the children.” Santa Lou Knezevich

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Northern Lights Santa Academy

Image Courtesy Northern Lights Santa Academy

School Bells are Ringing! School bells are ringing for Santas in the Quad State area of Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia. Come join the learning experience, designed to help build your Professional Santa Career! The inaugural sessions of the Northern Lights Santa Academy will commence Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18. Special room rates are available at the Hilton Gardens Inn, Alpharetta, Ga., which is the host hotel and includes a scrumptious, made to order breakfast. The Hilton Gardens Inn is conveniently accessible; from GA 400 and major interstates such as I-285, I-75, I-85 plus other thoroughfares. Santa Rick Rosenthal and Santa Lou Knezevich have put together an outstanding program for New

and Seasoned Santas alike. Special guests have been invited to provide sessions about Story Telling, How to apply Santa Make-up, plus, individualized one-on-one sessions with a licensed cosmetologist about your hair and beard. We have also planned special sessions for New Santas to give you tips on performing and answer all your questions. All Santas will have much to look forward to as we get ready for the coming season. We’ll be discussing, “Pricing your Services, Making a Santa Appearance, How to talk with Children, Santa Ethic’s and Values, Story Telling, Improving and Gearing up for the Season.” Additional classes will be tailored and made available based upon the individual experience and needs of each Santa and/or Mrs. Claus who

preregisters. We haven’t forgotten Mrs. Claus or the Elves. Mrs. Loretta Claus has planned a special “Mrs. Claus, Ladies and Elves” only session. This promises to be a very interesting and informative session about the role of Mrs. Claus and how she assists Santa. Loretta has been portraying Mrs. Claus for over twelve years and she is going to share her experiences and tips on being an outstanding Mrs. Claus. Don’t miss it ladies. There’s a whole lot more for the attendees as it promises to be a pivotal point in being a professional Santa or Mrs. Claus. Plan on a fun filled time of comradery and education! For more information and registration check our website: www. northernlightssantaacademy.com

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Kris Kringle’s Wisdom Editor’s note: I was introduced to Santa Al Horton a number of years ago as he and I, along with Santa Lou Knezevich began publishing a newsletter for the world of Santa Claus. Santa Al is no longer with us, but he left a treasure trove of knowledge for Santas through his writings and his book, ‘Santa’s Book of Knowledge.’ Occasionally, Santa Lou and myself will republish a story by Santa Al. This one was one of my favorites from the first time I read through it. Hear the knowledge and savor the story. Bill

By Santa Al Horton I had found my sister after more than 20 years of not seeing her. She and I shared rent for a while in Georgia. Please sit Santa Al back, prop up your feet, and enjoy this short tidbit of knowledge I am sharing today. It is another Saturday morning when I awaken to my sister pounding on my door. “Wake up Santa; I’m taking you to breakfast.” I shower, primp the old whiskers and dress in my usual red plaid shirt, red hat and large black belt. At breakfast, several children are tugging at their mother’s sleeve and pointing at me. They are trying to whisper, but the entire restaurant/diner can

hear them; “Look mommy, it’s Santa”! I smile and wave. Then jaunting over to their table, I produce one of my fleeced bears from my pocket and ask if they have been good. When they gleefully smile and announce that they have, I laugh with a Ho, Ho, Ho and hand them a bear. I ask them to keep it a secret, but I am out looking at who is naughty and nice. This event happens daily. I enjoy the children’s smiles and the sparkles in their eyes as they ensure their parents that they will be nice. Now some may wonder why I dress this way and why I bother with the bears and comments. I could just as easily hide like most celebrities and down play or even ignore the fans, but to hurt a there is no such thing as child like that would only Santa. WHAT!!!! No such confirm to the adults they thing as Santa!!! Who need to tell them that would bring the gifts, who

would the children tell their secrets to, what would happen to the trust in this world?

Page 5 and when to say Merry Christmas worried me until I saw the children. They were so content that Santa was handing out gifts, I made a game of it. The children were happy and I never thought twice about saying or doing the wrong thing again. July is rapidly approaching. This is the time of year Santa could be out volunteering with activities. Look for some organization that assist with hospital care of children or special camps for special needs children, or the local businesses who might want to do some community work and don’t know how. Have them donate some simple toys (e.g. stuffed animals, games, etc) and then take them to the local homeless shelter, orphanage, or just to a hospital where there are a lot of children and hand them out. Now some of you have figured out that there is another reason I dress the way I do, talk with the children and hand out the bears, and volunteer for any Christmas in July activity. That is the way to get yourself noticed and start booking for the next season. I highly recommend you get an agent if you want steady work or get out there and hustle yourself. Or, you can do want I do. Not everyone can do it, but Santa Al Horton/North Pole Observer Archives it is rewarding.

I want everyone to experience the thrill of a child when they are excited to be around Santa. I have had parents come up to me after a chance visit and bear gift telling me that just a few months earlier, their child wouldn’t go near Santa and now look at them. I enjoy being in the non-threatening position to bring happiness to others. If you need one bit of advice, I recommend that you be yourself and the children will let you know if you are non-threatening and what you can and cannot do. Don’t force anything, not even your laugh. Let it bellow out. Be jolly all the time and don’t worry about the ridicule.

When I am around adults, they ask the most questions and they don’t hold any punches. They don’t see how I can enjoy life so much when there are such troubles all around us. The stress of just making a living is tough. To that I just say, “Life is only as tough as you let it be. If you don’t let it get you down and learn to enjoy the little things around you, life will be simpler and happier.” There is usually no response to that. This past year, I visited a Jewish family who had a Christmas party for their Christian friends. Both Jews and Gentiles alike received gifts from Santa. Now remembering when to say Happy Hanukah

TIP OF THE MONTH Don’t wear jewelry, carry a cell phone, or anything else not magical, but if you do and are caught, be very witty and up front. I had one such occurrence during a private party. I had mistakenly left my watch on. Though it was well hidden, it did slip out once and a child questioned me about it. Instead of hiding it, I told them that it was a special communicator with my elves watching the sleigh. From then on I remembered to take it off. THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH If you really want to be on top of the Santa ladder, learn other languages. The more you can speak with a child the better you are. I once visited a party for an orphanage in London. One child questioned why I was a yank. Thank goodness a few of my British friends had taught me some Welsh, Gaelic and worked on my different United Kingdom accents. Not only did I surprise that young lad, but he brought a new child who was French over to me. I quickly depleted my French phrases and turned the child over to a helper who was actually French. That worked out well. For the rest of the two hours, I could do nothing wrong. Santa Al Horton

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Santa’s Book of Knowledge by Santa

Al Horton

Section I History of Santa and how to be a credible Santa. Section II The Business of Santa Section III Stories, parodies, and other good stuff. This resource contains more information than any one school provides. Knowledge, insight and some terrific stories are all here.

Santa’s Book of Knowledge is still available on Amazon and other sites.

From the editor of the North Pole Observer

Beginning in early 2007, I have had the privledge and honor of reading and editing stories by Al Horton which have appeared in the Red Suit Roundup, Jingle Press, Red Suit Gazette and now, my own publication, the North Pole Observer. Sadly, Santa Al Horton is no longer with us, but his knowledge lives on. If you are seeking knowledge built on education and experience, blended with good story telling, this book is for you. Al is not only a Santa instructor, but has international experience with many years under his belt. I have read a few posts saying that this book has a few gramatical errors. Yes, that is true, but they are very minor and don’t affect its value at all. The knowledge and story-telling is there and laid out in a well-organized, concise manner. This is a reference book for novice and seasoned pro alike. I highly recommend this book. Pg. 7 See SURPRISE

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Thank You Mrs. Claus Santa Needs You!

By LOU KNEZEVICH

The costumes are dry cleaned and hung in the closet to await the next Santa event. My boots are also packed away along with my belt and gloves. The past season is a blur of memories which is also packed away in my mind and I cherish each so much. This season Mrs. Claus was my companion and she brightened so many children’s faces. It’s taken a long while for Mrs. Claus to gain recognition as part of the Christmas experience. I feel plus, I’m hopeful she is becoming an important part of the Christmas magic each year. I also hope Santas do not consider Mrs. Claus is taking away from their performance. That’s very far from the truth. I have found so many people are surprised to meet Mrs. Claus and are quickly drawn to her. While Santa is an imposing figure Mrs. Claus conveys a motherly and “safe appearance.” Children will quickly confide in Mrs. Claus their Christmas

wishes while they may be reluctant or frightened to talk to Santa. Many times, Mrs. Claus will gain the child’s confidence and lead them to and help them talk with Santa. These are golden opportunities which most surely would be missed without her. Another area Mrs. Claus helps is with

Santas credibility. For example, a child may ask for a “Pillow Pet.” Mrs. Claus might say; Santa weren’t the Elves working on them last Wednesday? Santa replies, “That’s right, we had a special order for them because it’s such a popular toy. Mrs. Claus says, Well Santa, the toy shop manager told me we have a have enough

to fill all the orders.” Now the child knows there is enough “Pillow Pet” at the “North Pole workshop.” There are many scripting possibilities between Mrs. Claus and Santa which appear to be spontaneous however; they add realism and believability to the child’s visit. See MRS. CLAUS Pg. 9

Page 9 MRS. CLAUS from Pg. 8 I’m very disappointed to hear a Santa say his wife “won’t be Mrs. Claus.” I understand the reluctance and the reasons to refuse but I personally don’t think they are insurmountable objections. Some women feel they would need to dye their hair and refuse for this reason. I did feel at one time Mrs. Claus needed to have “white hair” but I have long ago changed my mind. Hair can be concealed by wearing a “Mop Hat” or bonnet so no one needs to see the true color of Mrs. Claus’ hair. I think another reaction is, “what am I going to do?” I mentioned a few things in the preceding paragraphs and

contributed photo

Mrs. Loretta Knezevich Claus

here are some others. Help little children with their arts and crafts while they wait to speak with Santa. Talk to children who are waiting to see Santa and gathering information to tell

Santa. Tell stories such as “The Night before Christmas” and others. Console frightened children. Take photographs with children and adults. (Please don’t say you hate your pho-

tos) Lead a sing along of Christmas Carols and many other things you are able to do. Try some of these things and add others to your appearance of Mrs. Claus and Santa. Be innovative and have fun performing, Santa Claus is going to love you with him and your presence is going to help his performance. Ladies, if you aren’t a Mrs. Claus, seriously consider becoming a part of the “Christmas Magic” ... Santa needs you!

Santa Lou

‘Georgia’s Premier Santa’ [email protected] www.santa-lou.com                                     “It’s all about the Children”

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Questions? Kids Can Ask the Strangest Things By lou knezevich Children are going to seek how to solve the riddles of how Santa does things! They are going to ask you the strangest questions. I remember my Mom and Dad viewing Art Linkletter “Kids Say the Darndest Things!” contributed photo The premise Santa Lou Knezevich of this show was to have a group of children, usually no more than eight years old, asked various questions by Linkletter. There was no telling what a child might say or how they would interpret a question. This made the show a hit because of the spontaneous reaction of the children. Art Linkletter was a mainstay for many years and the show later continued with Bill Cosby as the host. Today’s children are very intelligent and seek to solve the riddles of how Santa does things. Children are going to ask you the strangest questions; they are quite unafraid as a rule, to ask the most embarrassing and at times the most heart wrenching questions. You must prepare yourself for these questions with answers to establish yourself as the real Santa Clause. I don’t always have the best an-

swers, however most of the following have worked well for me.

Q

Where are your reindeer? (Asked on a 90+ degree day in Georgia)

A

Now that’s a very good ques-

tion. The reindeer are at farm not too far from here. The farm is in a city called Alpharetta, did you ever hear of that city? The farmer is feeding them some very special food so they can be real strong to pull my

sleigh, especially because it’s loaded with presents for good girls and boys. So if you look up on the roof when you leave here you won’t find them. Guess what? I had to come here today by car. I love my sleigh and those cars make me a little nervous!

Q A

How do you get down the chimney without getting burned?

I knew you were going to ask me that, so I’m going to share a secret with you. Do you think you

See QUESTIONS Pg.12

Page 12 QUESTIONS from Pg. 11 can keep my secret? One of my elves is a very good magician in fact; his name is “Magico” and he performs for us when we have parties. He mixed up some very special magic dust. It’s very sparkly, so I sprinkle it down the chimney and the dust puts out the fire! It doesn’t last a long time so I have to be very quick to leave the presents I’ve brought. Now, do you know what I do when I want to get back to my sleigh? When I’m ready to leave, I put my finger aside my nose and up the chimney I go. Then, I sprinkle some magic dust down the chimney and everything is as it was before.

Q A have?

How many Elves do you

I really don’t know? I do know we are constantly building more factories so the Elves can keep up for the demand for toys. The North Pole is a very large city and our biggest job there is to fill all the orders for toys. Of course that means we need Elves who are toy makers, doll makers and most of all, know all about computers. So you can imagine it takes hundreds, even thousands of Elves to get those presents ready for my delivery! Our Elves come to us from all over the world and know how to make things which children of their home counties like. They have to like the cold weather too plus, all are a happy group of Santas helpers!

Q

How can you eat all those

cookies and not be real fat?

A

I have been trying very hard to eat healthy. I love to eat cookies but after last Christmas Eve, Mrs. Claus has asked me to watch my diet. It seems she had to make my pants bigger because of all the cookies I had eaten. I tried to tell her I didn’t eat many cookies but she’s just like your Mom; you can’t fool her. Do you eat vegetables? Mrs. Claus is making sure I eat my vegetables so she always has some of that “green stuff ” with lunch and supper. At first it was hard for me to eat my vegetables but now, I love peas, green beans, salad and even carrots. You know, eating vegetables is another way of getting on Santas “Nice List.”

Q

What’s your favorite Cookie? Usually when I ask if a child is leaving me cookies I’ll be asked this question. Santa never knows if the cookies have already been baked and you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by the wrong answer.

A

Hmmmm ... Let me ask you a question?” “If you were baking me cookies what would be your favorite cookie?” A frequent reply is, “Chocolate Chip.” “Well now, that is my very favorite cookie too!” “If you make your favorite cookie then, you can share with Santa and we’ll both be happy!”

Q A deer?

Who’s your favorite reinNow that’s a tough question.

Let’s see, there’s: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and Rudolph. I really like them all! (Practice remembering the Reindeer names.) Each one of my Reindeer is special and each one works with the team to make sure I deliver all my gifts and to the right house! I just don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have such a wonderful group of Reindeer!

Q A

What do you feed your reindeer?

Not too many people know this. However, at the North Pole we have farms all under glass so the cold weather doesn’t freeze the crops. That’s where Santa gets all his fruits and vegetables from to. In one area of the farm my Elves grow a number grains which they mix into a special feed for my Reindeer. It’s a big secret what’s in the feed but it looks a lot like the cereal you and I eat. For the most part parents are cooperative and want their child to have the best possible Santa experience. In their desire to have the child fulfill their expectations they may unknowingly be rude, say or do things which detract from a good Santa experience. Some common situations are as follows. Parents often want to “fill in” the question a reluctant child won’t ask. Parents can be very insistent the child ask you. What are the names of your reindeer? Sometimes you may feel the See QUESTIONS Pg.13

Page 13 QUESTIONS from Pg. 12 parents have a certain joy in their voices hoping you will trip up. Most of the time parents are trying to help the child communicate with Santa and the questions they ask are much the same as asked by the young ones. Parents are often overheard say-

ing things to children which are clues for Santa. We Santa’s have to listen carefully because the parent is setting a scene for us. They may say a child’s name or Elf they have brought along. Just try to keep an ear open to the people around you. Remember, a good reply is a

good story so work on your story telling techniques.

Santa Lou

‘Georgia’s Premier Santa’ [email protected] www.santa-lou.com                                      “It’s all about the Children”

Legendary Santas Mentoring Program Created by Santa Lou Knezevich

Santa Lou is a long time, very professional, knowledgeable Santa and Santa educator, upholding the highest standards, know as ‘Georgia’s Premier Santa.’ Santa Lou conceived, imagined and designed the program to benefit veteran as well as new Santas, and anyone who aspires to wear the red suit. The mentoring program is designed to be carried forward into the future, helping train, guide and promote the true heart of Santa, the Spirit of Christmas, with knowledge and life-long mentoring. The Legendary Santas Mentoring Program is a tremendously valuable resource and a true guide for anyone who already portrays Santa and everyone who aspires to.

Legendary Santas

For more information contact Santa Lou at;

LegendarySantasMentoringProg@ gmail.com Sleigh Phone 404.918.4756

Download A Copy of the Manual: http:www.NorthPoleObserver.com/ MentoringManual.doc

Mentoring Program Guidelines

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Premium, hand crafted, hand tooled leather creations Belts

Custom Guitar Straps

One of my plans for retirement was to put into use the leather tools I had collected in recent years. I also had a pretty good stock of leather, along with stains, dyes and finishing materals.

Hand Crafted by Bill McKee The hand tooled, premium leather billfolds (Bottom, right) cost between $40 and $65 depending on details and tooling requests. Plain, with finish only is $35. I have also begun making Buf-

falo Hide wallets. The Buffalo Crazy Horse (bottom left) has a choice of two different interriors. This is beautiful, soft and tough leather which should last a long time. See more next page.

Custom Billfolds

See WORKSHOP Pg. 16

Page 16 WORKSHOP from Pg. 15 Other items I make include the three bell door hanger, right. This door hanger measures 3-1/2 inches wide by 12 inches tall. The hanger is suspended by a solid brass D-ring. Depending on the tooling request the price on the door hangers runs from $35 to $50. Custom leather rifle slings are very popular. An example is shown, right. Rifle slings begin at $40 for a plain finished strap with no tooling and plain back. The example at right would be $85, which includes custom tool-

ing, soft padded pigskin backing hand sewn to the main premium strap, outlined by the stitching surrounding the tooling. I also make custom guitar straps, (one example on previous page, $55), key fobs, below, and more. Any questions or requests please contact [email protected]. I only make a limited number of items each year, and only as time allows. Custom orders require a 50 percent deposit. Any currently available items are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Key Fobs

Door Bell Hangers & Hand Bells

Custom Tooled Rifle Slings

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A Gift for Santa By BILL MCKEE

   Hanging over the doorway to my North Pole room (under which I pass uncounted times every day) is a tissue paper craft rainbow.  When walking under this rainbow and acknowledging its presence, any troubles I think I have fade into near-nothingness.    This gift of a rainbow given to Santa came from a very special young child.    I received it during my first fullscale visit to St. Jude Tri-Cities Affiliate Clinic.  Even with my education, background, training and experience; I was nervous as I arrived.  There were a number of children there that beautiful Spring day.  Each and every child, from the youngest to the oldest, was an inspiration to me, and I soon felt right at home.    I moved from room to room, taking whatever time required, or seemed appropriate with each child and family.  I read or told stories, answered questions, and we played games.  I listened closely as some of them told me stories.    I had been informed there was one little boy who was ‘very engaging.’    Marinda McConnell, Child Life Program Manager at The Children’s Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center and St. Jude Tri-Cities Affiliate Clinic in Johnson City, Tn., announced through his nearlyclosed door that he had a visitor on the way to his room.

  “Santa!” he exclaimed, hearing the sleigh bells on my boots as I walked up the hall.    Entering his room, I saw his eyes were dancing as his smile and excitement filled the room.  It may have seemed like Christmas morning all over again for him.

   He had been working on a paper mache rainbow and was awaiting lunch with his mother at his side.  His laughter was like the sounds of happiness and joys from a Christmas morning, all wrapped into one special little boy. See GIFT Pg.18

Page 18 GIFTfrom Pg. 17    Lunch, for him, came though a plastic tube which fed directly into his stomach.  It has been this way almost his entire life.    Lunch was also some small bites of his favorites, salted fries and a grilled burger.  Not being able to swallow the tidbits, he took them in his mouth, wrestled them around his tongue, savoring every nuance and distinction of flavor, fair and foul.  From each and every bite he extracted the essence of the flavors and juices and aromas, discarding the remnants, ready for another flavor filled treasure.    Each bite he took in, savored and discarded once again.  All the while we talked, laughed, played and he continued working on the paper mache rainbow.  His hands twisted, he labored to finish as he labored also to guide food to his mouth. 

And he laughed at the simple joys of living and the excitement of the day.    Before me was this child who savored life as he savored his lunch, tasting every moment, every flavor and even the sour notes.    Witnessing this young man, full of energy and life, overcoming many physical challenges (most adults could not deal with) reinforced my understanding of the Sacredness of each and every child and of life itself.    His spirit shined through so brightly as to make his physical impairments nearly vanish into nothingness.  His boundless energy flowed through and beyond the walls of his room, spilling over and being felt through the entire clinic I have no doubt.    The simple joy of living life seemed to come so naturally to

him.  I barely saw his physical impairments at all.  I just saw this bright, shining, little boy whose spirit could not be confined within his imperfect body.  His joy of life filled the room and all who came near him.    I had gone to the clinic to try and spread a little Christmas Joy, perhaps brighten some child’s day.  As I left that day, it was with renewed vigor and a brightened Spirit, lifted up by this glowing little boy so full of energy and life, housed in that small fragile body.    So that’s why above our doorway is a rainbow.  And this little paper rainbow sheds a most incredible light that helps guide me on my path and my reindeer steer their sleigh. Santa http://www.theSantaClaus.com

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Classified North Pole Observer © Copyright 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 ©® Masthead Artwork by Earthdancer Imaging © The North Pole Observer© is published by Brothers Claus Press. Issues are published in PDF format and available for viewing or download at http://www.NorthPoleObserver.com. An archive of the issues is readily available online at http:// www.NorthPoleObserver.com. The publication is edited and produced independently by Bill McKee, a long-time Santa. All contents © are the sole property of the authors, protected under U.S. and International copyright laws and trademarks. Written permission must be obtained from the author of any article before reproducing any of the written content, or images in any form.All rights reserved. http://www.theSantaClaus.com CONTACT: Bill McKee [email protected] Workshop & Sleigh 276-429-2181

Brass Bells, Polar Express Style Bells & more

These sand cast, solid Brass bells can be found online at Cat’s Paw Web site. The bells pictured above are recent additions to Perry’s inventory. For our readers who are familiar with my story ‘The Bell on Christmas Eve,’ this is my source of the small acorn bells which are very special to me. I have purchased numerous bells from Perry and I can recommend his service, honesty and products very highly, without hesitation. Contact Perry at: Cat’s Paw http://www.catspawdb.com/accessories.html [email protected]

The Santa Clause

“In putting on this suit and entering the sleigh, the wearer waives any and all rights to previous identity, real or implied, and fully accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus until such time that wearer becomes unable to do so either by accident or design.” The “Santa Clause” from the movie The Santa Clause