Being Santa Claus And Other Christmas Season Thoughts

This is the season-the Christmas season-and while there is certainly a lot to pontificate on the current events scene, I think I want to tread into some reflections on this Christmas season.
Firstly, this past Saturday, I did something that I did not think that I would ever seriously do.
I was Santa Claus!
HO! HO! HO!
The pre school at my church has an annual Santa Breakfast fundraiser. It is a time when the children that attend the school come with their parents for breakfast and to see The One. No, no, not the Dear Leader, President Obama! The One. The Big Cheese. The big fat guy in the red suit. You know, the only man in the world that has reindeer doing his driving. That would be Santa Claus.
Anyhow, I arrived at church early to transform into Santa. One thing is, unfortunately, I did not have to add any padding in that area. Regrettably, I have enough down in the gut to really be Santa! But, even if I had less girth down there, the suit would have just made me look big enough.
Around 11 a. m., I was escorted to the Parish Hall and gave the kiddies the traditional greeting.
HO! HO! HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS! HO! HO! HO!
It was amazing to see a line of kiddies to see me and give their wishes and have their photo taken with ol' St. Nick.
It made me realize that the true meaning of the Christmas season is to give of one's self. Sure, I could have been doing something else. Like blogging. But, for a few hours, I was able to bring happiness to a lot of children and their parents. I really enjoyed the experience. Yes, even the one child that had to ask where the reindeer was!
A second thought is that I just finished watching A Charlie Brown Christmas.
In today's world, it is one of the most dangerous shows of the Christmas season.
Why would I say that?
Because of the fact that the characters are not reduced to mumbling Happy Holidays. But they say with gusto Merry Christmas. It is a Christmas tree, not a holiday tree. However, it does show it's age by Lucy and the gang insisting that Charlie Brown get a big aluminum tree. BLEECH! But the most poignant part is Linus Van Pelt speaking directly from the Holy Bible the story of Christmas. Both Mrs. RVFTLC and I said to each other that it could never be done in today's toxic climate. Yet there it is every Christmas season. And it is one of the most popular shows during the Christmas season. What it does for me is remind me what Christmas is all about. It is remembering the birth of the Savior. Sure, it is doubtful that it was actually December 25. Who cares? That is not what is important. It is important to recognize the importance of the event of the birth of Jesus Christ. That it was indeed, a miracle. And that is the reason, I believe, that A Charlie Brown Christmas is the most dangerous show of the Christmas season.
This final observation, for now, is that the Christmas season is one to remember how it must suck to be in retail.
I know because I have worked retail in the Christmas season. And that now seems like many a moon ago.
What struck Mrs. RVFTLC and I was this past Sunday, on the way to church.
We stopped off for coffee at the Starbucks on the way to church. To our horror, we saw a large banner proclaiming that Starbucks would be open of Christmas Eve. AND Christmas Day. Not only open, but open regular hours.
I just said that this is another sign of the end. I could not believe it. Neither did the missus.
My thought is can those that like the large (sorry, I never use Starbuck lingo when ordering what size drink. It is America and it should be small, medium of large! Or extra large!) non-fat, mocha latte with non-fat soy milk and no whipped cream not wait until December 26 to get that drink? Or this one. Try making coffee at home just one morning. You know, the same Starbucks sells some Christmas Blend coffee. Ground and whole bean. It might be good to rediscover what homemade coffee tastes like. For one day.
I know that there are some retail establishments that are open on Christmas Day. And a wee few even open longer on Christmas Ev.hen I was growing up, that would be the old Thrifty Drug Store. Always open. Usually one of the only retail establishments open. Markets were closed. All department stores were closed. Many restaurants were closed. Even some gas stations were closed. Yes, there is always the movie house. And yes, I went to a movie one Christmas evening.
But really, Starbucks?!
Not to get anyone in trouble, but if I worked at one of these Starbucks, I would organize and call out sick on Christmas morn. Let those people have their coffee at home one day. And any other drink can wait a day.
Remember, there is a reason for this season. Take time to remember those that are not as fortunate as many of us. Give some of your time. Or money. Or both. Remember the old adage that it is better to give than receive. Some how, for me, giving is a great way to receive.