Christmas Eve with Santa Claus

“Twas the night before Christmas” four decades ago, when my late ex-husband suited up as Santa Claus so he could surprise our two toddlers and spice our Christmas Eve party through the midnight hour. It is our family tradition to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve and we committed to keep it going on. A joyous family gathering to welcome the birth of our Lord, a family celebration filled with mirth. On this particular night, my son was so excited to see Santa and when scooped and twirled, he giggled with glee. Santa carried him and I carried his little sister to our van, got all seated and I kissed Santa that his curiosity began. He asked me many questions, “are we going to grandpa’s now, where is Dad, why is Santa driving our van, does Santa know how to drive a car, where is his sleigh?” and Santa and I felt so bad bursting in laughter, laughter he recognized and said, “Santa is Dad!”