Since Santa Started Drinking and Smoking

UPDATE:  If you read yesterday’s post, I’m glad to share with you that my dad learned good news at his follow-up appointment.  The tumors in his lungs are responding well to chemotherapy and have decreased in size about 75-80%.  This is wonderful news.  While the journey is far from over, we are encouraged.  Thanks for your prayers.  

When I was a kid I was a sucker for Christmas, Santa Claus and all the decorations, songs, and cheesy animated television shows that were part of the season.  I vividly remember being about 5 years old one Christmas morning.  The family was up early.  We had come to see the “loot” Santa had left for us.

What I am about to tell you is not from a Hallmark movie.  I actually did this.  As my family rustled behind me, I moved slowly and quietly around the Christmas tree to the window.  I looked up at the cold blue sky as the sun was beginning to break.  I gazed hoping to see a sleigh, or a least Rudolph’s red nose.  I saw no sign of them, but softly whispered to myself, “Thank you, Santa.  Wherever you are.”

Now, you ladies are probably thinking that is precious.  I know what the guys are thinking and yes, I agree.  I was a stupid kid.

 Old Christmas movies painted a pure, heart-warming picture of Christmas  and Santa.  But over the years, Hollywood shows us Santa in more raw and human  images.  Screenwriters must be bitter about when they “found out” about Santa and are lashing out  against those of us who want a “nice” movie to watch on Christmas Eve, because the fun  places are closed.

I’ve seen depictions of Santa as the lazy part-time worker, a serial smoker, a raging  alcoholic and more.  Seems we’ve taken negative images and suddenly slapped them onto  Santa as accessories to his red costume.

Watch this clip from the movie “Trading Places.”  Dan Aykroyd was “the guy’ who fell on his luck and took a job as a part-time Santa.  I always laugh at this one.

Over time, I’ve gone from the child full of wonder “thanking” Santa from a window on Christmas morning, to the cynical guy who laughs at mockery of such an endearing character.

It happens in faith.  It happens in relationships.  It happens all the time when we put our trust in something or someone not really trustworthy.  When the veil is lifted we see that all along, Santa had a terrible smoker’s cough and a reeks of whiskey and ham.

Growing up is hard, right?

But also growing apart, growing older, living in a broken world.  Let’s face it, life can be hard sometimes and cynicism chokes out wonder.  Once you get burned or betrayed, it’s hard to keep going back.

BUT…  (This part of the conversation really needs a “but” don’t you think?)

The reason I’ve been writing and you have been reading is because we long for and know things can be better.  God gives us opportunity and creativity to make an impact.

When you look at my posts for the last two days there’s a series of related messages.

Get rid of pride.
Live in grace.
Create out of joy.
Be stubborn and don’t give up when things get hard.
And today…Don’t let cynicism and failures of others rob you of wonder and joy.  

We are in a season that should be filled with joy and peace.  But mostly, I’d say filled with grace.  

Creative thoughts should be dominating as we think of how to bless and impact others, not wondering if they prefer a gift card or a pair of socks.  This season is for us to think and stretch our minds.  How can you do something over the top to show someone how much they mean to you?

Since Santa started smoking and drinking, we’ve let the cynicism win.  It’s time to find the wonder of a child in our hearts again, think and dream big, and make an impact in the life of someone who needs to know they are loved.

Questions…

• What is the best Christmas present you’ve given or received, and why?
• What are some of your favorite Christmas memories?
• What do you love or anticipate most about this season?