Santa Kevin

v One October 2009 afternoon, my good friend Rick Smith invited me over to see his new reindeer, Comet and Cupid. Rick owns the Double R Reindeer Ranch. As we watched the reindeer run and play, he urged me to become a Santa. Over the years other friends had also made the suggestion, but I had never given it much thought.

Becoming Santa was an easy decision for me. I loved children, I was already a pretty generous and compassionate man by nature and loved to serve others. But I truly had no idea what to expect.

Being Santa is a wondrous gift to all: to Santa himself and to the children who come to see him. Children come with all sorts of expectations. Over the years, I have met nearly 16,000 children. The long lists, the smiles and laughter, the hopes and dreams—all are blessings. I came to love the childrenin a way that even surprised me.

So what is it that recreates in me such a surprising love? I suppose in each of the children's eyes I saw a wonder and a hope that captivated me. It didn't matter if they were asking for a list of toys or for the healing of their mother. They looked to Santa as one who knew who they were and would listen.

There were also some very big surprises along the way. Not all children came asking for things. Some came in with very wondrous requests, and some came with heart-breaking hopes. I was warned by another Santa that I would meet children who would have stories that would bring me to tears. There are many.