My parents and extended family lived on a cattle ranch halfway to nowhere and a thousand miles from anywhere but Mom (her name was Virginia) always tried to make the holidays special. She brought a Santa Claus outfit to the ranch in late October - better be ready as snow could trap even the best of those prepared.
Christmas Eve, late 1940's, every single person on the ranch was gathered in the Main House in that little living room and Dad was there as well sitting next to Mom holding her hand (of course, Dad was supposed to be Santa Claus so Mom was completely beside herself when Santa Claus himself walked into the room), gave out treats and stockings (no big gifts back then) and then just disappeared out the back door after turning around and saying with a wink, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."
I wasn't born yet but listened to her story many times when I was young; it made Christmas special every year. Dad has been gone since 1998 and Mom passed in 2000 but lasted long enough to get counted on the 2000 Census - a proud moment.
AND, at her funeral, someone told the story ~ he was passing thru the ranch, got caught in a snowstorm, given shelter and food in the bunkhouse in exchange for playing Santa Claus and moved on the next morning before dawn....
I hope some of you will experience the wonder of the season similar to by-gone times. This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,
IR......LOVE that story! Things like THAT make Christmas SPECIAL! When my sisters and I were little, my grandparents ALWAYS came over for dinner on Christmas Eve (they lived across the alley from us) and my Uncle too. Always after dinner my Grandad would always start saying things like "I know some little girls that better get to bed soon, I think I hear bells". Of course we totally believed him and just knew for sure he heard Santa's sleigh. One year, my Uncle sneaked outside and rang some bells. My grandad said his usual line and that was all it took, we all took off for our beds at a 50 yard dash, lol! Oh, how I would love to be a kid again at Christmas......it's all so magical. Thanks for sharing your story too, IR, great Christmas story!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident, 
