The Clauses

The Clauses - photo courtesy of the Suffolk Times

We were treated to a small holiday parade in our little village on Sunday.  It passed in review in a few minutes and when the candy treats were picked up and we assume gobbled up by the onlookers, we adults went on our way with perhaps a little more good cheer than when we arrived.  Some of us felt a little guilty.

You see, the Clauses, Santa and Frau Claus, were the highlight and they were all smiles and waves.  It was genuine and quite frankly, anyone who can put on the Santa outfit and pull off the character, deserves a heaping of  "good gracious" admiration.

What no one in the parade saw, unless they followed these Santas, was an event for some of the kids in the village who needed a smile and a present; something that Ms. Claus organized, fulfilled, and most likely enjoyed immensely.  Ms. Claus gave from the goodness of a good heart and put a smile on a lot of faces as a result.

She knows who she is and I would think give an "aw shucks" shrug at the praise. The kids got something that they might not have otherwise.  We got a little kick in the rear to think a bit more about those among us who need thinking about.

So how about smiling a little more, opening a door, saying hello to a stranger, passing forward - next time you are near the carousel downtown, buy a couple tickets and leave them at the desk for a mom and a kid who could use it...same with the ice rink.

You "done real good" Ms. Claus. Real good indeed.