My Dad Was Santa!

Today marks 93 years since my Dad was born in 1917.

When I was four I remember going to see Santa and not really having any idea what to tell him what I wanted him to bring me for Christmas. In 1951 we didn't have a TV to introduce us to new toys and I could only gauge what I wanted by what I coveted that belonged to my older sister, June, or what my kindergarten playmates possessed.

After seeing Santa, my dad was carrying me on his shoulders as we left the store. I saw a doll that I liked and I said to my dad, "I want that dolly!" He was the only person that knew that I wanted that particular doll.

On Christmas morning we went into the living room and there sitting in a high chair was the dolly. I was so happy to have my "wee wee" doll and I was thrilled to realize that my Dad was Santa! Not just to me, but I believed he was Santa to all the children all over the world! I was so proud! My Dad was Santa!

Over time, I learned that Santa was really about the magic of giving at Christmas and my dad was not traveling the world in a sleigh pulled by reindeer on Christmas delivering toys. Still, I have always felt that my Dad was full of magic and every bit as special as Santa.

Dad left this earth in 1971 but I still have my wee wee doll on my night stand - a symbol of magic, Christmas, Santa and Daddy.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Daddy!