What we can learn from children

What do you want for Christmas?

I ask that 75 times a day. Maybe more. You'd think that at the end of my time as Santa Claus, I'd reflect and decide upon my favorite answer. Well, I already have.

I want my daddy to come home.

That's what the boy told me. At first, I was a little uncomfortable. Maybe his father passed away. Maybe he left. But the boy's mother filled me in: daddy is overseas - in Iraq.

That's some pretty heavy stuff for a part-time St. Nick. I said what I could to encourage the little guy and asked him what else he wanted. He mentioned one of those new Nintendos. I told him I'd do my best, but only if he was a good boy.

I know if he could pick, he'd pick his dad over a Nintendo any day of the week.

The Introduction

Name: Withheld

Location: Also withheld, but let's just say a shopping mall somewhere in the Midwest

If you asked me why I decided to become a mall Santa, you might laugh at the reason.

I'm bored. 

Really, that's it. Retirement hasn't yet lived up to my expectations - I spend most of my time in front of the television or at the kitchen table. I'm divorced. The kids have been gone for years. I had a long and prosperous career, but that's in the history books. Boredom might actually be my number one qualification for the job. I guess it also doesn't hurt that I'm a little overweight and that I went grey in my thirties.

I've always liked Christmas, ever since I was young. I liked it all: the food, the music, and (especially) the presents. As an adult, I took my kids to see the mall Santa every year, even when they were too old and begged me not to go. It was tradition.

This year, I wanted to be a part of that tradition again. I was actually a little nervous turning in my application! But I started a few days ago and, so far, it has been a blast. I get paid to make kids (and adults) smile! What could be better than that?

I'd like to share this experience with everybody out there, so for the next few weeks I'll be blogging - another first for me. Here we go...