When I was a kid, each Christmas Day after exchanging gifts with my immediate family, we’d dress up and head out for visits to my Grandparents’ homes. First up, was my Dad’s parents followed by a trip to Mom’s parents where many relatives gathered to celebrate the day.
I can’t swear to the exact date, but I believe I was 7 when I noticed what was then a unique ceramic image of Santa Claus. Most presentations of Santa were of a jolly man with a stocking cap, big rosy red cheeks, wire-framed glasses and of course a bell-shaped physique poorly hidden by a thick, strapping black belt.
This Santa was a reverent one – one who bowed down with his hat respectfully removed, to pay homage to Our Savior, Baby Jesus, who was comfortably nestled in His manger.
I remember taking a few moments during each visit to Grandmom’s to gaze at the figure submissively. At that time of my life, Santa’s was the one visit we anxiously anticipated. He was BOSS! You better be good because Santa was watching. He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. Remember?
Parents would bribe their kids with Santa threats.
Yet here he was paying homage to Jesus.
Jesus was BOSS!
As the years went by and as I became more aware of Santa and his team of reindeer, the meaning of this cherished figure shifted a bit for me but never lost its relevance. And I continued to admire this artistic creation annually.
When Grandmom passed, my family knew that this Santa should be mine. To this day, it sits under our tree each year and I still take the time, usually late at night when all through the house, not a creature is stirring…not even our little chihuahua Lilly, to ponder the strength of this endearing message. In its own way it re-connects me to the reason for the season and of course my beautiful Grandmother.
Merry Christmas everyone.
May your Holidays be enriched with love, kindness, peace, serenity and the gift that is Jesus.
