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The Santa
Clause
“In putting
on this suit and entering the sleigh,
the wearer waives any and all rights to previous identity,
real or implied, and fully accepts the duties and
responsibilities
of Santa Claus until such time that wearer becomes
unable to do so either by accident or design.”
(The “Santa Clause” from the
movie The Santa Clause) |
The “Santa Clause” not only applies to me, it applies
to anyone that puts on the suit and enters the sleigh. I read ‘entering
the sleigh’ as a metaphor for the work we do as Santa, and not just at
Christmas. Many of you were Santa when the movie came out in 1994. I was
not. You movie aficionados can feel free to correct me, but to my
knowledge, it was the first movie to put forward the concept that while
“Santa Claus” the idea or spirit is eternal, “Santa Claus” the
person can change. This is significant for the work we do because it makes
us a real person not just a legend. It also makes us accessible in ways as
never before.
My 5 year old friend Emily told her mother just before
Christmas last year that she knew I was the real Santa Claus. I asked her
how Emily could think that because she knows where I live and has been to
my house. She hadn’t even seen me in my suit yet. She thinks I’m the
real guy in the same way Scott Calvin (the main character) becomes the
real Santa in the movie. I live in Jamestown and commute to the North
Pole.
When The Rotary Club member “Santa” in a cheap suit
and not so well designed designer beard passed by in the Jamestown Parade,
she even told members of her scout troop, “That’s not the real Santa!
The real Santa’s a friend of my mom’s and I’ve been to his house.”
Ah, from the mouth of babes.
The “Santa Clause” is what was printed on the card, in
very tiny print, that Scott Calvin picked up when Santa fell off his roof
in the movie. After what he thinks is a dream of flying reindeer and
visiting the North Pole he discovers that his life is no longer his own.
The Santafication process begins and not only does Scott’s physical
appearance change his outlook changes as well.
I often think of the scene when he is sitting on a bench
in a park and a line of kids form to visit with him. How many of you can
say the same thing have happened to you? It seems that no matter what I’m
wearing if a child approaches me and I take time to talk with him or her,
all of a sudden there’s a crowd. It seems to give permission for other
children, and adults too, that may have been too shy to initiate contact
to approach me. I’ve become so popular at the water park that I have to
look for remote areas to relax. And they still find me! (But I’m not
complaining.)
Scott had a hard time in the movie of letting go of the
old persona and accepting his new reality. You see even though he was in
the toy business and had a young son, he didn’t really believe in Santa.
Do you?
Recent events… have led me to believe that the
Santafication process has not really finished for some of you. I suppose
that if you want to “play” Santa then the Clause does not apply to
you. I’m finding that always, that’s right I said always, being
above reproach and constantly the center of attention is indeed a heavy
burden. It’s also one I’m willing to accept because I have an
opportunity to spread the joy and magic of Christmas year round.
If, on the other hand, you consider that you are a true
descendant of St. Nicholas, are in possession of the spirit of and really
believe in Santa then you are subject to the terms and conditions set
forth in the “Santa Clause.” When you walk out the door, and that
includes electronically, you agree to this statement: “… the wearer
waives any and all rights to previous identity, real or implied, and fully
accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus…”
Powerful stuff! I don’t mean to sound preachy here but
as I stated in a previous newsletter, you represent me and all our
brothers that willing put on the suit and enter the sleigh. If the toy bag
is too heavy then grab your snow globe and say, “I wish I had never been
Santa Claus at all.” That will enact the “Escape Clause” and you can
trim or shave your beard, stop bleaching, sell your suit on eBay and
return to your normal life. The choice is yours. Do you believe in Santa
Claus?
As Always
Santa Jac Grimes, RBS, BSC
Santa@SantaJac.com
www.SantaJac.com
After reading Santa Jac's comments, I realized that there is
a "Christian Clause" in Paul's letter to the Ephesians…
Now go back and reread Santa Jac's article, substituting
Christian words for Santa words… "Christian" for "Santa
Claus", "Sanctification" for "Santafication" and
"Jesus" for "St. Nicholas". You get the idea.
Here's another idea: Print out this page and cut out the
"Christian Clause" and tape it to your bathroom mirror where you will see it
every morning.