When I was the tender age of 4, I attended Head Start (state preschool) where my Mama was a teacher. Around Christmas time they decided that the students should have a Christmas party (yes, that is what we called them in my day).
My Mama decided Santa should make an appearance, and thus, my Daddy was recruited for the job. The day of the party my Daddy donned his costume and pulled on his work boots (we had a dairy farm at the time). As he strode out the door my Mama told him to change his boots. He asked why and she told him that if he were to wear his work boots I would recognize them. His response was, "She's 4. She won't recognize them." So off he went.
As the party got under way it was soon time for Santa's special visit. Sitting next to my bestie at the time, our eyes were widened as Santa entered the room. We couldn't believe that he would come to visit our Head Start. As I took in Santa as a whole (yes, I recognized his work boots) I yelled out, "That's my D...!" and before I finished I covered my mouth. I was so excited to find out my Daddy was the real Santa Claus!
Fast forward a few years...my parents set me down to tell me all about Santa because my older brothers told me he wasn't real. Of course, I insisted otherwise. As my Mama and Daddy proceeded to tell me the truth I was devastated! I knew deep down in my heart that Daddy was Santa and the reindeer were kept out on the back acres of our dairy farm. My Mama told me in my later years that if about killed her and Daddy to tell me the truth because I cried for days about it.
Every year I tell my students (they're 5th graders so they know the truth) this story because it is one my Mama told me every year at Christmas. So, yes, I know who Santa Clause is...He's my Daddy.
Oh, this was a great post! Heartwarming and funny at the same time. I think it is so funny you dad didn't think you'd recognize his boots! Visiting from SITS!
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