Life with "The Big Elf"

I'm asked all the time what its like to live with Santa?  One woman actually asked if we "mess around"...to which I didn't skip a beat and answered "where do you think all those elves come from eh?"  nudge nudge, wink wink!

Over the years, I've learned to embrace, adore and love Christmas.  

Look what a coat hanger and some tinsel can become!

When  I was a little girl one of my biggest fondest memories is of the Christmas  Pageant, and the play that we students performed for the audience of parents, teachers, neighbors and friends.  One year I played the Angel.  (or Herald Angel as they say in Charlie Brown's Christmas!)  Mom made
my costume, complete with garland sparkling halo.  I think I even had wings.  Nervous, and a bit unsure of my lines, I will never forget coming onto the stage and delivering this most famous and glorious of messages to the tea-towel and flannel sheet bedecked shepherds there with me:

Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
                                                                               
 As the years pass I continue to look to the skies for the star in the east and my heart fills with joy and I know that no matter what idiocy is going on in my life or in the world ... we have this amazing gift!  So I continue to have faith!

Now on to the St Nicholas connection - there is a lot of history to the Jolly Old Elf, The Big Man in Red, SANTA!  And I happen to be married to one of the best Santa's helper of all! What's it like you ask Oh it's not for the faint of heart.  No there's always something to be done when the Big Day approaches!

Gotta keep Rudolph the Red Nosed Kia ready to fly at any given moment. 
Set the alarm clock, cause morning's don't mean sleeping in on weekends during this crazy season. 
Then let's talk "the look".  Yes, the wife o Claus means having a plethora of Christmas earrings, which will be worn all December of course.  And plenty of red, green, and white combo outfits to choose from.  Todays Mrs Claus also keeps a couple of "insta-costumes" in the back of her closet for those days when Santa doesn't want to go stag.  A white or grey wig completes the "ensemble" and warm boots for those outdoorsy gigs are a must!

To date I haven't been in the spotlight a lot as "First Lady o the North" too much, but enough to see how amazing it is! Kids eyes are starry, grownups revert to kids and  can't stop smiling - and it helps to have an amazing St Nick to travel with! After all he's the star of the show, and the reason they are flocking around.

One winter (this is one of a zillion such tales) we went into Walmart around 9:30 p.m. for some last minute thing in full regalia.  The looks were hilarious - from little kids running up and hugging Santa, to adults doing double takes then saying "I didn't know you shopped here?" and when we started singing carols in the check out line, we got others to join in and the energy was outstanding!

Ok - hope that one made you smile...watch for more.  Maybe I'll start another blog just about Mr & Mrs Claus...Adventures in Red!