I’ve done a lot of crazy things in my life; however this year has to take the cake. Why I agreed to do what I did, I don’t know. I can honestly report that I was headhunted for my new position. It’s a relatively short one in that it began on November 15th and ends Christmas Eve. To give you a clue let me tell you that you are currently reading a Christmas letter from the big man himself. That’s right-Mr S. Claus! In early November I accepted an offer to play Santa Claus at the local mall! MicMac Mall is the largest shopping centre east of Montreal and they needed a Santa. What was I to say? For four hours a day, six days a week I now sit on a large throne with elves at my back and call and meet children and adults to talk with them about Christmas. I have had kids run at me and literally jump into my arms almost driving the two of us and Santa’s throne out through the back of the set. I’ve had kids so scared at the prospect of sitting on my lap they scream in terror and fight to get away. I’ve had high school students visit me and the girls from the office out for a night of shopping. I’ve been asked to bring every toy imaginable. One little girl wanted an elephant for Christmas. When I told her that would take most of the space in my sleigh, she agreed to ask for just a baby elephant. Even young children know how to compromise. It’s too bad most adults have lost the skill. I’ve had adults arrive on the set and ask me to sit on their laps! On one Sunday afternoon at the end of the day I was locked out of the changing room. It took 2 security guards, a manager and myself 45 minutes to break into the room and I mean break in. Picture the spectacle of Santa Claus complete with beard and white gloves trying to kick in a steel door to the changing room. Finally one of the security guards and myself, complete in costume, took a wooden pallet and knocked in the door. Thank goodness no children witnessed Santa bashing in a door instead of the time honoured tradition of entering buildings through chimneys!
Glenn.
