Believe

Hello Everyone,

I have a confession to make.......I believe in Santa Claus.

 

My view of Santa Claus has changed through the years.  As a young child growing up in Paradise, I can remember the anticipation of Santa's arrival Christmas morning. I remember so well being absolutely thrilled when I got a ironing board and a small toy iron.  Let me tell you, THAT thrill is gone!

Our maternal grandmother would always spend Christmas Eve at our house so she could join in all the morning fun. She was the fun....until it came to bedtime.  We had a very small home which meant Gail and I had to share our small bedroom with Grandma.  That in turn meant Gail and I had to share a twin bed.  Did I mention that Grandma snored like a drunken sailor??  Now I ask you, how can two small kids who are sharing a bed get any sleep on Christmas Eve, when the rafters are rattling?  Then of course we would get the giggles, and wake Grandma up. 

Fast forward to my teen years.  Our parents would have just enough money to buy us clothes and board games. How we loved board games! Did anyone ever play Careers? or Game of the States? Of course we all played Clue and still do with the grand kids.  Colonel Mustard isn't as handsome as he used to be.  We would get dressed up in our new clothes and go visit our grandmother's friends in nursing homes around Paradise on Christmas Day.  Jennie Kenline, Maude Garretson, Nellie Welch.  I remember them well.  I remember taking them small gifts, and they were delighted.  I was starting to become Santa Claus.

Fast forward to when I was in my 20's with three small children.  Mr. Joe and I always went to Paradise to spend Christmas with my parents.  My mom was a thrifty shopper, and would start shopping the January sales and buy enough clothes to keep our kids looking well-dressed for an entire year.  They also bought a few toys, and the kids were happy as clams.  My parents were our Santa Claus since we couldn't afford to give them a lot of gifts.  I can remember my Dad saying the best Christmas present for him was watching our kids open their presents.

Fast forward a few decades and we enjoy watching our grandchildren open their presents.  I now know exactly what my father meant.

I love the food and the smells associated with Christmas.  I still love playing games around the kitchen table.  I love the gift of laughter and playful teasing between brothers and sisters.  I love the humor and wonder where my kids got their quick wit and always have us laughing.

Now, I want all of you to look in the mirror.....go ahead, I'll wait.  Ready? Did you see Santa?  I believe in Santa Claus because of YOU.  Let me tell you how your generosity has helped so many people who lost everything in the Camp Fire.  To date YOU have donated over $15,000 to my fundraiser.  YOU have been Santa to so many people by helping the following:

7 of my childhood friends and their families who lost everything
4 first responders from Cal Fire and the town of Paradise
2 destitute families recommended to me by friends
1 person severely burned and in the hospital for 12 days.
1 volunteer at the Paradise Police department
1 family who rented my childhood home
100 quilters from the Ridge Quilters Guild

You have helped people with disabilities, autism, and cancer who have lost everything.  You have put smiles on so many faces and quite possibly made them happy and smile for the first time in weeks.  YOU have shown them kindness and generosity unlike I have ever seen. YOU are Santa.  I believe in YOU.

Merry Christmas,
Lynn