SANTA'S GIRLFRIEND

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Someone I know was invited to portray Santa Claus for the children's group at a local church. 

The children's workers at this church are involved in making a huge impact on the migrant children of this small town, and the group has grown, as the result of a bus ministry, and the presence of numerous dedicated believers who have a heart as big as all outdoors.

As "Jim" (not his real name) and his wife "Jane," (and not her real name), walked into the youth room, the former, dressed like the famous old fella, the children "went crazy." The four, and five and six year olds were all over Santa. A couple of the braver ones pulled at his beard.

"Ho, Ho, Ho" Santa bellowed out. 

"Miss Jenny" did her best to control the melee.

"Now children. Back up. Sit on the floor. Let Santa talk."

Santa proceeded to share the Gospel message with the children.

"It's good to be with you tonight, boys and girls"

(and)

"Did you get what you wanted for Christmas?"

(and)

"You know Christmas is a lot more than Santa and gifts"

(and)

"Christmas is really all about Jesus"

(and)

"Do you know Jesus?"

Well, things proceeded very well, and after about seven minutes, Santa handed it back off to Miss Jenny.

"Miss Jenny, do you want to take some photos?"

(She did).

One by one the boys and girls walked up to Santa, took their seat on a stool, the latter placed his hand on their shoulder, and Jenny and Jane snapped the photos.

Did I mention that Jane was NOT dressed as Mrs. Claus? Did I mention she was only there to video the presentation? Did I mention one of the children's workers invited Jane to stand by Santa for a photo? (Well, she did). Did I mention "Jennifer" encouraged Santa to give Jane a kiss? (Well, she did).

To be fair, Jim hesitated a split second, given the presence of the children, and lest they be confused with this development. However, given the compulsion of the moment, he leaned over and kissed his wife.

On the way home Jane laughed out loud, and shared the humor with Jim, as he sat on the passenger side of the vehicle, and he was busy pulling off his curly white hair and beard.

"Jim, after we kissed one of the little Spanish boys asked me,

'Are you Mrs. Claus?'

"And without thinking I replied,

'No, I'm just a friend.'

(and)

"then he said, 'But I saw you kissing!'"

To which Jim responded,

"Oh me. That little fella will be awake all night trying to figure that one out! He probably thought Santa had a girlfriend or was 'doing an Elvis.'"

Jim and Jane hoped that most of the children assumed that Mrs. Claus had left her red and white Christmas dress at home, and had merely chosen to wear more comfortable clothing.

by Bill McDonald, PhD