I have been thinking lot about Santa and what part he plays in our grown-up lives. Santa has come several times to our house this week. He delivered a case of 'good' wine (the kind I would never, ever pay for) and a set of Bose headphones to use with my phone. There has been fudge, several plates of cookies, cards, phone calls and check-ins by neighbors.
When you're a kid you always knew what to ask for from Santa. It was so easy for me to circle things in the Sears catalog, peruse the New York Times for the perfect summer camp or beg for whatever was the trend that year.
As an adult, it's hard. Santa is no longer the jolly old elf with a cholesterol problem that you ask for the 'wants' in your world. As an adult, Santa has two sides to him. First he is an 'angel', which in Biblical terms means 'messenger'. This messenger represents giving, sharing, and happiness. This messenger sees a need and acts on it. This messenger uses observation to glean what is needed in your life. And then there is the seasonal Santa who often lies dormant most of the year but chooses a fun and creative way to make you smile at Christmas.
That feeling of connection can carry you for days, weeks, even throughout the year. Perhaps the gift is a gift that keeps on giving. Perhaps it's a life need that serves to make life easier like our handicap van. Perhaps it's dinner delivered when you are struggling emotionally. Perhaps it's a shared smile when you've forgotten how.
Keep your eyes open to the possibilities. Santa, your angel, your elf is all around and all you have to do is be aware, to look, to see and to accept. Understandably, in the year filled with illness and uncertainty, the challenges are affecting individuals and families in so many ways. Rise to the occasion and find a way to be Santa to someone. Peace and Goodwill.
I believe in Christmas. I believe in hope.