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I could have talked with Santa longer. Maybe left the photography backdrop, grabbed us both a few cookies, and hashed through life experiences. Could he have been the same Santa who visited our house in Luxemburg, WI sixty years ago? Was it possible this was the real guy (at least to schmooze an introvert) with gentle dark eyes, weathered skin and a medium deep voice that wrapped around those sitting nearby

The Gibraltar Fire and Rescue of Fish Creek, WI held the annual visit and photo with Santa event as a fundraiser. Being a volunteer firefighter in a small community makes every neighbor’s life safer. A firetruck parked outside the small former town hall to answer any major fire call and the Santa team needed to leave. 

Stuff some money in a firefighter’s boot, fill out limited personal information, and help yourself to cookies or candy while waiting in line. We were not the only people with a dog instead of a child. Thankfully the dogs seemed to accept the event as just another outing while the children struggled to keep their excitement, and hungering for more cookies, under control. 

Adults drinking eggnog and eating more cookies than the kids, grandparents helping with a third or fourth child while the parents made each one presentable, and a warm feeling of enjoying holiday traditions started December on the right foot. We were there because our two-year-old granddaughter thought meeting Santa frightful but might smile seeing that Rocky liked the old guy. Two of her age group needed everyone’s encouragement in the town hall, including two dogs, to turn off tears and sit near the guy in red. 

Most of us were strangers, but for forty minutes we shared happiness and hope while playing the roles most appropriate for the time—child, parent, grandparent, community protector, human or canine. Shoulders were nudged and compliments shared about sweaters or bows or big smiles while posing with Santa. “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” flew out of mouths naturally.

May these last weeks of 2023 bring you calm, peace, health and smiles.  I hope that each of you have someone share a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays greeting.