I was not prepared for all the rewards of being a Santa - being rushed with countless hugs from kids, glowing smiles, handshakes, “Thank Yous” and numerous, handwritten Letters To Santa. I always asked the kids to read their letters to me. The kids were always ecstatic and proudly willing. Their parents surprised, yet impressed. I even enjoyed the criers – some of whom I won over.
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My first (unsolicited) review came during my first season.
It was most encouraging and confidence building:
“To the Santa at the Mall...
The mall was always my favorite as a kid around Christmas time.
Christmas music playing, voices loud, decorations throughout the stores, throwing a coin in the fountains and making a wish... the best part was seeing Santa, a line so long you didn't think you'd ever make it to see him, getting your few minutes to talk about what you wanted for Christmas was so magical.
Today when I took my 4-year-old to see Santa there was no line, things seemed quiet… Sure enough, my little one was waving and saying hi, and Santa waved him on over, shook his hand twice, and talked to him for about 5 minutes. I watched my little one's eyes light up, a smile from ear to ear, Santa talking to him like he's known him for a life time. He didn't expect any money, or pictures, but called Mason over out of the kindness of his heart and let him talk and feel special.
Christmas doesn't feel like it used to, but today I got a glimpse of that magic once again through the eyes of my son.
Merry Christmas.”
-Shia
