The Spirit Of Christmas

Since she was born, we’ve taken Ada to visit the same Santa every year, and gotten our annual Santa photo with him. This has sometimes required some travelling, but it’s important to us. When my brother Stephen was visiting for a year, Santa made sure to not only include him in the photos, but also get one of just us two brothers with the man in red.

Ada and I visited the mall the year Connor was born to say hi to Santa in late November, but told him we’d be back in a few weeks to get our photo, once our newest family member arrived. When we came back in mid December with a two week old Connor, Santa welcomed Ada with open arms, giving her a big hug and telling her what a wonderful big sister she had become. He held a tiny Connor and took extra time to get some extra special photos. 

Now, obviously, last year, we couldn’t visit Santa due to pandemic travel restrictions between Canada and the North Pole. Instead, Santa sent us a beautiful photo of him and his wonderful wife, Mrs. Claus, holding our annual family portrait. It also turned out that Santa needed a rest, and while it’s hard to say that the pandemic was ”good timing” in any context, it did mean he could take a break to rest and allow his new heart time to heal without feeling guilty that he might be disappointing anyone[1]. 

This year, with Santa, Mrs. Claus and all the wonderful elves vaccinated and rested and healthy, we got to visit in person again. He was as jolly and joyous as ever. Mrs. Claus was delighted to see us back, and it was wonderful to talk to them both. Santa made sure we all felt special, both kids and parents. And grandparents, with Claire’s parents here too! They were included in a set of group photos, as well as getting ones with just the kids and them together. 

A true Spirit of Christmas.

See you next year, Santa. 

[1]- Which is obviously ridiculous. If Santa needed a year off to recover, we’d all send him love and best wishes, and look forward to seeing him the following year. No disappointment, only respect for our Santa.