the GO TO THE BEACH post

Dec 19, 2011

By ADAM MILLER

Over the weekend, Santa and Mrs. Claus were spotted in downtown Seaside, handing out candy canes to passersby. I would know. I was one of them. Upon seeing them, I stopped in  my tracks. There was a silence… about 4 seconds - it was the wonder of seeing these popular people in my own home town.

Out of all places in the world, they were here, sitting in front of me, smiling. It made perfect sense: the panhandle was a place for these people to take a short break before all the heavy work was to commence.

As you might expect, Santa looked at me and said, “Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas.” Yes, I was 35 years-old a moment ago. But suddenly I was 7 and-a-half.

I asked him if I could take his photo for my son. The couple agreed. Their rosiness was beyond compare. I think I may have seen that type of glow perhaps in a newborn baby’s face. I thanked them sincerely for their time.

After the photo shoot, I approached Mr. and Mrs. Claus and asked if I could shake their hands. Mrs. Claus reached out and warmed my hand in hers, as if I were her own cherished child. I must admit. It was nice. But there was another child approaching and I knew my time was up. I walked away with a candy cane that I promised I would give to my son.

After my experience, not only do I believe whole-heartedly in these magical beings from the North Pole, but I look forward to helping my son leave out cookies and milk for them when they visit on Christmas Eve. May their travels around the globe be safe and merry.