Originally published Friday, November 30, 2012
We who are old in age but young in spirit still like Santa Claus, and maybe even believe in him!
Yes, that is true. But for us, I think it's more the joy of giving, and the happiness and good feelings from seeing the happy faces of fellow oldsters, young people and children, and grandchildren.
But yes, we also like receiving, probably less than giving because after six or more decades of living, what more could we want? Or, as my late mother, who died a week short of her 92nd birthday would say, "What would I do with it? Where would I put it? It would be something more I'd have to dust."
That was kind of a downer, but after 91 years I can see where she's coming from. But still, I like pretending a colorfully wrapped gift is from Santa! :-)
Anyway, for the grandchildren we give clothes and a toy or two, whatever their parents say they need. Some of the things are from "Santa Claus," and the rest from grandpa and grandma.
To my step-daughters and sons in laws, we give whatever Mrs. W buys them. Usually she'll ask them what they want, then buy that. I'll buy Mrs. W what she wants, usually one or two things she needs and will use. For my own daughter, I'll give her money and if she needs clothes, we'll go shopping at stores she likes. None of them are in the mall.
I never know what I want. Actually I don't need anything, but black dress socks are always good. I'm told I'm not an easy person to buy for.
Honestly, I don't want anything, yet people insist on giving me things. Since they're asking, how about a fountain pen? People and students who know me well know I love fountain pens, so, I usually get one or more for Christmas. I sometimes get furry house shoes, and sometimes I even get flannel pajamas! They come in handy when it's really cold out. The arms are always too short, though.
But on Christmas Eve I sleeplessly await the pitter-patter of tiny hooves on the roof, and wait to hear that booming "ho ho ho." It's exciting when Santa slides down the chimney and lands with a thud!
Well, OK. Maybe not. Some people have told me that's crazy. (BTW, we don't have a chimney.) But there are colorfully wrapped gifts under the tree the next morning, and this convinces me there really is a Santa!