“SANTA!” he shouted, the single word expressing the joy of a child who still believes.
To hear that excitement made me smile wide as I turned toward the basement patio doors. There I saw a flash of red and then Santa peering through the window before he knocked on the glass.
Six-year-old Hank couldn’t race there fast enough to slide open the door allowing Santa entry to our annual extended family Christmas gathering in southwestern Minnesota on Saturday.
Santa shows up every year to greet young and old alike, to hand out candy and hugs and merry wishes. It is a tradition that never grows old, that always brings smiles and laughter and joy. For a moment or ten, we all see Santa through the eyes of a child. And we believe.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing wonder and joy!
You are welcome. Merry Christmas, Jena!
Oh, too cute! Merry Christmas to all your clan, Audrey. Wishing you many blessings always!
Thank you! And a blessed Christmas to you also and those dearest to you.
I remember well, the day I was told there is no Santa. I was in the 4th grade and our new teacher felt the need to say the words, “Now, everyone knows there is no such thing as Santa, right? Only little children who have been told this lie believe such a thing”. Growing up in a parochial school system, this now doesn’t surprise me, but at the time I was devastated! I was upset that my parents had mislead me, and my thoughts were shattered that this jolly fella was a big lie. But, I choose to hold the happy memories in my thoughts, and I am thankful for that magic time while it lasted.
That is awful, parochial school or not. I hope today’s educators are more sensitive.
Merry Christmas, Lori!
I still get excited in seeing Santa – there is just something magical about it and it brings back the childhood memories too 🙂 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
I feel the same. There’s something magical about Santa.
❤ !!
Love this family tradition. Keep it going and Merry Christmas.
It’s been going on for a long long time. Merry Christmas to you and yours also, Bernadette!
I bet the kids love that! I hope you had a merry Christmas
Now that Hank has overcome his fear of Santa, all is good.
How fun for the littles and adults too. What a great tradition! Hank and Carson are the same age, can’t believe they are already 6
It is a fun tradition.
Santa has made a visit every year to out family gatherings. So much so that last year we even presented him with his own book with all the memories we have made with him. The joy of waiting for Santa never grows old.
That photo book of memories for Santa is a terrific idea.
That is such a great tradition and I bet the adults love seeing Santa as much as the kids do.
You’re right. We adults do. It was even better when my mom could be part of the family gathering.