Chapter 22: Playing Santa Claus

Chapter 22: Playing Santa Claus

Elkhorn Mills Children’s Center

Abby and Meg are dressed as elves and go over to stand by Santa Claus. Sue, Matt, Sarah, Tom, Levi, Billy, and Jack’s parents look on as each child comes up to “Santa” and sit upon his lap. Each child gets a picture with Santa to remember the moment. Jack dressed as “Santa” is sitting down in his big red chair while all the children gather around him. Each child holds a candy cane in their hands. They are waiting to hear him read “The Christmas Story”. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

After Jack finishes the story; everyone applauds. Now it’s time to pass out the gifts. Santa’s elves call out each child’s name and they come up to Santa and he gives each of them a present. They are so happy and their eyes light up when they open their presents to discover what’s inside. Some got new toys, others got new books, and the older kids got new clothes to wear. Everyone celebrates by eating pumpkin pie, turkey and potato salad, cranberries, tender ham, gingerbread cookies, Christmas pudding, hot cocoa, and eggnog for the grown-ups. Everyone gathers around an old piano to sing Christmas carols such as: Frosty The Snowman, Deck The Halls, Jingle Bells, Away In A Manger, The First Noel, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Have Yourself A Little Merry Christmas. The children at the center have a very special Christmas because they know that people really do care about them.

The Hudson family has shown them what the true meaning of Christmas is by simple gestures, kind words, and good deeds. Every year, Jack comes back here to play “Santa Claus” not because he has to but because he wants to share this wonderful holiday with them. And he’ll keep coming back every year until all these kids find a loving home and parents to call their own.

After the party, Jack is still wearing his Santa suit. Sue is standing under the mistletoe but she doesn’t notice; her eyes are on Jack. He walks over to Sue and Levi looks up and gives him a funny look. Levi doesn’t recognize him. Jack laughs and wonders if Sue knows it’s him under the padded red suit. Jack has a plan to find out. Sue smiled up at “Santa”, and Jack pointed upward at the mistletoe hanging right above her head. Without taking his eyes off of her, he took Sue in his arms and kissed her deeply.

Jack: Hello, pretty lady. Have you been nice or naughty this year? (megawatt smile and laughs)

Sue: Nice. But only the real Santa Claus would know for sure. (smile and teases Jack)

Jack: Are you saying you don’t believe that I’m the real St. Nick? See all those kids over there; they know Santa Claus is real; every one of them sat upon my lap. Maybe if you sat on Santa’s lap you would believe me too. (megawatt smile, teases Sue, and laughs)

Sue: Sorry, I can’t hear what you’re saying, Santa. I’m deaf. And your white beard is making it hard to understand you. (playful smile and laughs)

Jack: Would you like to tug on my white beard and see if it’s real? Or maybe if you look up and see that we are right under the mistletoe at this very moment, you know comes next, right? (megawatt smile, laughs, teases Sue, and gives her his signature wink)

Sue: I think you’ll have to show me, Santa Claus. (playful smile and laughs)

Jack: I believe you just gave me permission. (megawatt smile and laughs)

When Jack and Sue kiss, his white beard gets in their way. So Jack pulls his beard down and continues kissing her. He wraps his arms around Sue. They stay that way for several minutes. Then Jack pulls back and smiles at her. Sue looks at Jack with love shining in her eyes. He gives her his signature wink and then he lifts her up and spins her around the room. Jack and Sue get caught “kissing under the mistletoe” by his family. Jack hastily tugs his white beard back in place and turns around to say farewell to the kids. The kids at the center look towards “Santa” with big wide eyes.