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Yes, Vail Valley, there is a Santa Claus

Michael Norton
Vail, CO, Colorado

When did you stop believing in Santa Claus?

Teenagers will boast triumphantly: “I knew there was no Santa Claus when I was seven!”

Buy I’m here to tell all – child, adult, and teenager alike – Santa Claus is alive and well and is as real as the hot cocoa in your mug and the smirk on your face as you read this.



“What?” you say, “Santa Claus is real?”

Yes he is, absolutely, unequivocally, and most certainly real!

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Haven’t you seen him yourself? Sure you have! He is in the mall as children wait impatiently to sit upon his lap, only to whisper secret messages about their most desired toys and gifts. And when they finally climb up and crash into his red suit, tug upon his beard, and the elves click their camera while you click yours, in that that moment, in that instant, when their gratified smile says that they have effectively and efficiently delivered their Christmas wish to old Saint Nick, your heart skips a beat and you know, you are convinced, that Santa Claus is real.

But then you check yourself thinking, “Did I really feel that?” He can’t be real.

Then you drive to the grocery store, and there, standing in the cold, and freezing rain, or snow is a man or woman ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, wearing a Santa Cap, greeting each person warmly as they pass by, and sacrificing their time for the greater good. I’m not sure about you, but I see Santa Claus in each swaying of the arm, every half-frozen smile and knocking of the knees, and I hear old Santa in each clang of the bell. Sounds like Santa is pretty real to me.

Then there are those amazing parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, and people everywhere who take on second and third part time jobs just so they can make ends meet, provide Christmas to their own families or make sure those who are doing without even have a Christmas. If this doesn’t shout that “Santa Claus is real” to you, I am not sure what will.

Santa Claus is a living spirit visible in every loving hug, greeting smile, and awkwardly wrapped gift. He lives in every Christmas card signed with love, every photo taken under the tree. He is the diamond in every couple that gets engaged at Christmas time and in every sparkling eye that says “I love you.” Santa is the flame in the fire on Christmas morning, and the cream in the coffee as we enjoy the quietness and finality of the day. And yes, Santa, and his star-topped tree, point to the heavens and the real reason for each Christmas season.

Thank you all for all of the e-mails throughout the year, and I wish you the very merriest Christmas. Would love to hear all about your Christmas and your belief in Santa Claus at gotonorton@gmail.com and make it a better than good Christmas!


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