I just wanted to get a post out there to wish you all a Merry Christmas. It’s 0300 right now and I’m working on Santa stuff – last minute toys, routing, checking for fuel stops, getting the suits ready, reindeer maintenance (Edzell’s not really a reindeer, but his poor elbows are raw and needed to be treated with steroids,) and assorted paperwork that goes with the business end of things.

I will probably not be posting again until after Christmas, but I’m not sure yet. I do have mobile access from the sleigh so who knows.

I do know that for the first time in 18 years I will be able to spend Christmas with my mother. My parents moved out of state years ago and due to personal and Santa obligations I couldn’t get there for Christmas. Last night, for the first time ever, she got to see me in my full garb as Santa. I loved her comment: “You look so real.” And this from the woman who gave me birth.

I am proud to share two pictures with you that I know I will cherish for the rest of my life. As you will quickly discern I’m a bit bigger than my mom. My dad was only 4 inches taller than her. I suspect the stork got the wrong address and dropped me out of frustration with hauling my big carcass around.

I wish you all love and joy this Christmas. Be kind to each other. Let petty differences go to the side. Don’t fight. Don’t get all liquored up and badger each other. And most of all, remember who’s birthday it is and why we celebrate this day.

Mom on my knee.

Just a bit of size difference.