A couple of weeks ago, I was approached by one of my clients - a community health center on the Upper West Side - because they needed a Santa for the annual kids holiday party. Since it is every nice Jewish boy's dream to play Santa (that, and to date a shiksa) I leapt at the opportunity.
I showed up on Saturday morning a week and a half ago and the first thing I noticed was the phenomenal job they had done creating a winter wonderland of the facility. There was a whole process whereby kids checked in while being serenaded by a choir, then proceeded through the halls to the first stop which was a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus. They then proceeded down another hall to a second Santa and Mrs. Claus who gave them wrapped age and gender-appropriate gifts.
I was given my costume which was complete from the wig, beard and hat down to the big black fur-trimmed boots. A pillow added to my tummy and the transformation was complete. People there who know me didn't even recognize me.
For the first 2 hours, I was photo Santa, and the second 2 hours was gift Santa. Over 600 kids came through in those 4 hours!
A community health center serves Medicaid populations and the uninsured. More than a medical facility, it is a safe home for many of its patients. A place where they come and are treated not only for their conditions, but also with the utmost respect. That the entire staff turns out to put on this party for the kids is a tribute to the passion and compassion of those that work there. I was very proud to be a part of it.
I expected a lot of things. I expected some of the younger kids to be scared of me (I won many of them over). I expected some interesting questions ("Are you the real Santa?") and requests ("Santa, can please bring me a baby?" My response - "Well, it depends on what your mother looks like . . ." Yes, I'm kidding about my response). What I did not expect was the number of kids who, when it was their turn to approach me, just ran into my arms and gave me a great big hug.
I was honored and proud to serve in this capacity and have already been invited back for next year. In the meantime, the local ABC station covered the event (my client and this event are very prominent in NYC) and you can see the news clip here.
It was definitely the highlight of my holiday season. Hope yours is as rewarding and fulfilling.
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