Ramblings from a very contended man . . .
Trip Start
Nov 02, 2009
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14
26
Trip End
Jan 06, 2010
Maihama, Kanto, Japan
Friday, December 4, 2009
This has been a great week! I have seen some wonderful people and had a lot of smiles. There are several people who have come to see us every year. Some of them are very regular – we see them several times a week. We affectionately call these folks our "stalkers." Some of them are harmless enough, others are a little freaky. I have run (literally) into one couple at the grocery store and when I turned to apologize, I know my face showed that I recognized them…. One of these came today and it was so nice to see her. She's about 50 and has a very expensive camera and last year was there 3 and 4 times a week. She is very sweet and was so glad to see me today and gave me huge hug. These folks must have enough pictures of us to paper an entire room!
There was also this darling little girl, about 12, with special needs. She and her family chose not to wait in the 4 hour line but they were hanging about the fringe of the crowd that gathers to see us. She was smiling and waving and trying to get my attention. I turned and waved to her. She turned to her mom with the biggest grin, telling her that I had waved. Then I blew her a kiss. She was over the moon with giggles and blowing kisses back. At another little break when I could, I waved again and she broke out dancing.
Earlier this week an elder couple came to see me. He was obviously a business man and she just the cutest little thing. They had waited to meet Santa for the first time in their lives. They were like school kids as they shook my hand and she hugged me, thanking me for seeing them.
Another woman who spoke very good English came by and told me that she was “honored to meet you Mr. Santa.” She bowed deeply as she came up to my chair. She was so gracious and sweet and a little misty-eyed as she said thank you and good-bye.
Three different times this week little girls about 4-5 years old came up to me with a “I love you, Santa,” in English and Japanese. One of them carried a home made card that had pictures of me, a snowman and a Christmas tree. One of them who spoke in Japanese climbed up in my lap and gave me the biggest hug. Talk about melting my heart!!!
Two brothers, 7ish and 9ish came up and “negotiated” who was going to get to stand next to me and which would sit on my lap. It was decided that they would change positions after the first picture was taken, making it fair to everyone.
And lastly, a little girl about 8 came to see me in her home made “Santa Suit.” She was so cute!! Her hair was all put up under her fur trimmed red felt hat. She spoke some English and came up and said, “my name is Mihoko, what is your name?” I was so tickled! I responded that my name was Santa and that I was glad to see her. She said, “I’m glad to meet you today. I am fine, how are you?” I don’t know if she understood me but I told her that after meeting her I was very, very fine and I hoped that she had a wonderful day.
If there is any doubt about why I love my job . . . . .
More later . . . .
Comments
No doubt what so ever :) In this world - you are a blessing - keep making them smile, keep making people believe, Love ya Santa.
You know what, "Santa?" YOU ROCK!!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND THE HAPPINESS YOU BRING TO BOTH YOUNG AND OLD!!!! I AM SOOOOOOO BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO COUNT YOU AMONG MY FRIENDS!! <3
Go Santa!
There should be a special recognition award for people like you that bring happiness in the life of other people. For the moment, just a huge THANK YOU!
I too know why they want you to come back every year, you are the best!
Keep up the love and kindness to all !!
Love you,
No wonder you are willing to leave your home for more than 2 months every year!
I'm pretty sure the Americans you used to play Santa for were no where near as
amazed as these people are!
I'll take one of those hugs as soon as you get home.
Love you Santa!