Sips, Sweets and Santa(Shelly Garrod) Magical things happen when a jolly ole man with a snow-white beard applies for the Santa position at Sips and Sweets Cafe'.

Three weeks before Christmas the local newspaper, 'The Chronicle' advertises for a sit in Santa for the holiday season. The paper is distributed to nearby communities. Anyone can apply. It's proclaimed that the Santa interviewees be compassionate, generous, patient, jolly and convincing. Our little village consisting of eight-hundred-sixty-two residents hasn't had to look for a Santa in twelve years. That honor previously went to Charles the local postman. He passed away in September at the ripe young age of ninety-four. Now with big shoes to fill the tedious work of filling those shoes begins.

Before the special occasion, our little town is decked out. We may not be big or have the best of things, but we know how to inspire the spirit of Christmas. Our community exerts their full energy and enthusiasm during the Christmas season. From the very young to the very old, everyone takes part in this special tradition. Every mom-and-pop store is decorated inside and out. The youngsters paint winter scenes on all the windows. Old Victorian style lampposts are embellished with garland pieces and lights which many are blown out. At the edge of town next to our local church stands a beautiful fifty-foot Scotch Pine glowing with hundreds of colored lights; some twinkling some not, that can be seen at the other end of town. Its hearth is wrapped in tattered and frayed silver, gold, red and green garland. Ornaments missing pieces and bulbs which are cracked or have peeling paint; all created by our families; are hung from each bough. In front of our small chapel with its tall steeple and missing stones encompassing one cracked golden bell lies a beautiful life like nativity scene in much need of revamping. We used to be known to many as the 'Norman Rockwell Christmas Village'. But our town-let is a little run down now and we are in need of new decorations. We probably no longer hold that title but, it's OK. Nothing can damper our Christmas spirit.

The special day has finally arrived. Our streets are flooded with cars, jeeps, sleds, skis, two Santa's riding a horse and even one on a sled pulled by two large Husky's. It's a sight to see and hear. Our street is popping with Santa's. They come from all over dressed in their Santa suits announcing their arrival with their best Ho! Ho! Ho's! There are Santa's of all shapes and sizes. Some very skinny and their suits too baggy while others are plump but lack the jolliness of a Santa. But it will be up to the children. Only they will choose our new St. Nick. This honor has been handed down through generations. And the community always looks forward to the children's decision. It's been said that only children hold the true spirit of Christmas and can spot a perfect Santa in an instant. Tonight, will be no different.

The town-hall is bustling with spirited people laughing, chatting, some even humming Christmas carols while they find a place to sit. Young children are running around finding it a little difficult to settle down. Excitement is building throughout the hall. A small stage has been placed at the front of the room. In the middle of the stage is the 'Santa Chair'. There are a few decorations and a medium size garnished tree on stage to depict the scene at the Sweet Shop. As people settle into their places the young children enter the stage and sit in a semi-circle in front of the special chair. Older children sit in chairs on the floor in front of the stage. As the lights dim the voices subside. All eyes are on the deck as Mayor Chris Christian steps up to the podium.

“Hello, hello. Good evening, everyone,” he announces as he taps the microphone. “Welcome. As you all know we're in need of a new Santa this year. I'm pleased to report we have thirty-eight men who have come for the Santa try-outs. And let me tell you I think it's going to be tough for our children this year. There are some excellent candidates. So, with no further a due let's bring out the first Santa.”

Cheering and clapping erupts as the first Santa approaches the chair dispersing his loudest and deepest Ho! Ho! Ho! A few children proceed to sit on Santa's lap whispering what they want for Christmas.
All eyes are on Santa's body language while ears are glued to every word. It doesn't take long to go through all thirty-eight prospects. But to everyone's surprise the children did not choose a Santa. Again, our mayor quickly ascends upon the podium. “Quiet Please! Could I have your attention?” There is so much chaos and commotion the mayor can't be heard. He taps the podium and tries again. “People please settle down!” At that time, it only gets louder. He is about to ring one of the Christmas bells when six-year-old Matthew Johnson yells “Look! It's Santa!” and points to the door. Dressed in a red suit, black boots, red velvety gloves with white furry cuffs and a Santa hat; carrying a large red bag which looks quite heavy, stands in the entrance. There's no hesitation as the children dash to the man dressed in red. “Santa, Santa, it's really you!” “You're Santa Claus!”

“Ho! Ho! Ho! Well, hello boys and girls. I've come to audition for the Santa job. I hope I'm not too late.”

“Ah, oh, um, no Santa. I mean sir. You're just in time.” Mayor Christian speaks through the mic. “Please follow me to the stage.”

As the newest Santa makes his way to the stage, children shout out one question and then another and another. Not waiting for an answer.

“Where's Rudolph?”

“Did you bring your sleigh?”

“Did you bring us toys?”

“Can we see the elves?”

“Children, children come now.” Our village leader cries out. “This man must audition like all the rest.”

As this gentle man makes his way to the stage he greets as many people as possible, shaking their hands, joyfully announcing “Merry Christmas” gently pinching baby's cheeks or patting their little heads and saying to girls and boys, “You're on my good list.” All while his huge red sack is swung over his shoulder.

When he finally makes his way to the stage Mayor Christian is standing at the podium. He begins to speak, much slower this time. “It looks like we have one more Santa, I mean person to audition for the job. Are you ready Santa, I mean Mr.? What is your name sir?”

“You can call me St. Nick, Father Christmas or just Santa. I go by many names.”

Mayor Christian is finding it very difficult to concentrate on his speech, although he can't take his eyes off the man.

“Well, OK then. Let's begin. Please have a seat in the 'Santa Chair'. You can place your sack, um, where's your red sack sir?”

“Oh, I've taken care of that.”

“But, um, how?” Stutters our village leader.

“Ho! Ho! Ho! This is a nice chair. Mrs. Clause would love a chair like this. I'm going to see that Bernard has the elves make one for her.”

“Um, sir, can we get back to the task at hand? It is getting late.”

“Yes, Chris, we can.”

“OK Santa, the children will ask you some questions for which you will need to answer as truthfully as you can and in your best Santa voice. Then, about half a dozen children will sit on your lap and tell you what they want for Christmas. They will be listening to your responses and watching your gestures. Is that understood Mr. um Santa? Do you have any questions?”

“Understood Chris. No questions.”

There's a presence about this man. I can't explain it. He glows. Not just a Christmas spirit glow but a real physical glow. How is that possible? His beard is as white as pure fallen snow (and it's real). His eyes are blue and sparkle like a night sky full of twinkling stars. Rosy, red cheeks not caused by the frigid temperatures outside adorn his round face. Love and pure joy radiate around him. I watch in awe as the scene plays out.

As the children ask their questions, he answers with such excitement that his laughter spills throughout the hall. There's a warm feeling that has come over this gathering of people. I believe they are taken in by this man as I am. He plays one hell of a good Santa. Even the children are hooked.

After about fifteen minutes the mayor steps up to the podium. “Thank you, boys and girls. You may all take your seats or go to your parents. This has been one for the record books. We've had the most Santa try-outs we've ever had. It's been twelve years since the children have had to choose a Santa. This year they have thirty-nine, including our late comer, Santa's to choose from. So, at this time could I please have all of the Santas line up in number order on stage. Please make sure your number card is clearly hanging in front of you so the children can see the number. OK children on the count of five reveal who our Santa is for this year. One...Two....Three.... Four....Five THIRTY-NINE!!!!!”

Oh my gosh the audience went absolutely crazy. Jumping, clapping, hugging each other. Singing “Santa Claus is coming to town!”

“The children have chosen. Thank you Santas. If you would like to join us for punch, coffee, doughnuts and cookies meet us at Sips and Sweets Cafe', which also houses our Bed and Breakfast if any of you need a place for the night. It's located two blocks down the street next to Jason's Hardware. Again, thank you everyone for coming and being part of this joyous occasion.”

Everybody disperses quite quickly. Only streetlights and some Christmas lights shining from the store fronts can be seen casting shadows throughout the village. A sense of peace and tranquility radiate in the cool crisp night air.

It's been a busy two weeks before Christmas. Our special Christmas performance at Joyful Hearts Village Church takes place December 23rd, titled “The Birth of Christ. Children have been practicing their Christmas play titled “The Night Before Christmas” to be performed December 24th.” And then they're off to bed in anticipation of Santa's arrival.

Our new Santa has been very busy these last couple of weeks. He's been seen all over the village, appearing at will wherever he may be needed. Like when Mrs. Carlsbad needed to put the star at the top of the fur tree at Sips and Sweets, Santa was there holding the star and when she returned from retrieving a stool the star was on the tree, and he was gone. And when Stacy, Nicole and Jackson finished placing the Nativity in front of the church they could not find the baby Jesus. Having looked through every crevice and corner and every box throughout the little church they came to the conclusion that the most important part of the manger scene was missing. They went to notify Mrs. Crosby the church director of the missing manger piece. As the children left the church they looked once more at the Nativity, just in case they sat the piece down somewhere else. They could not believe what they saw. There lying in the feeding trough, was the baby Jesus. And he was perfect. He looked out of place with many of the other figurines which were chipped and in need of repair or repainting.

Well, it's now December 22nd and the children have three days to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. A huge sign is displayed in the window announcing the days and times of Santa's visit with the children. The sign reads:

COME TELL SANTA WHAT YOU WISH FOR CHRISTMAS
AT SIPS AND SWEETS CAFE'
DECEMBER 22ND, 23RD AND 24TH
FROM 1:00 TIL 5:00
AND ENJOY COOKIES AND MILK WITH SANTA

Sips and Sweets Cafe' never looked so festive. A beautiful 7 ft. tree draped in holiday decor bedecks the corner of the coffee shop. Next to the tree lies a large Christmassy rug. And upon the rug sits Santa's Special Chair adorned with Christmas decorations. Next to the chair is a box of candy canes to be given out to the children. A soft velvety rope extends from the door to the red rug. Hopefully this will keep the excited little ones in line.

Tables for two strategically placed throughout the small cafe' are dressed in colorful holiday skirts. Each topped with Santa and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers. Followed by adorable gingerbread shaped napkin holders. There are decorations from ceiling to floor and wall to wall. And best of all the bakery counter is full of all sorts of Christmas goodies, like Gingerbread Cookies, Star of David cookies, Christmas Snowballs, Christmas Wreaths, Sugar Cookies, Fudge, Santa Cookies, Flavored Popcorn and oh so, so much more. And you can rinse that down with your favorite Latte, Espresso, or Cappuccino.

On the sidewalk next to the window with a painted scene of children building snowmen is a special mailbox designed only to receive letters mailed to Santa at the North Pole. Those letters are sent out every day.

It's twelve-forty-five and the children are already lining up to whisper their secrets to Santa. Making my way through the crowd of children and their parents I see that the jolly ole Elf himself is awaiting his little visitors. Standing next to him is an elf figure dressed in bright green with red accents accompanied by a pointy green elf hat and small jingle bells attached to his clothing. Santa cheerfully stands and greets the children.

“Ho! Ho! Ho! Good afternoon boys and girls. I've received your cards and letters with your wants and wishes for Christmas. Meet Bernard, he's my head Elf and he has put those cards and letters in a very special place only to be opened by me.”

Santa begins calling the children one by one to sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. Little Timothy is jumping up and down eagerly waiting for Santa to call on him. All of the kiddos are quite antsy as they wait their turn.

“Come Timothy and tell Santa what you want for Christmas.”

Timothy carefully sits on Santa's lap and tells him what he wants.

“I want a big, real big dump truck and a jet that really flies!”

“You've been a very good boy, Timothy. Merry Christmas. Don't forget to get your candy can from Bernard.”

“Here you go Timothy. Merry Christmas!” glees Bernard.

This continues till all the children for today have seen Santa. This plays out for the next two afternoons. All of the village's children have a chance to see Santa. Also, some of the adults feel the need to tell the Jolly Elf what they wish for, for Christmas. This has never happened before in our village's history.

It's now December 23rd. The children have finished seeing Santa. Adults are rapping up their Christmas shopping as young ones enjoy building snowmen, having snowball fights, making snow angels and just playing in the fluffy white powdery snow. Soon everyone will be heading over to our church for the annual live Nativity play. The adults in the play have been rehearsing diligently for the last couple weeks. Baby Jessie, (the Conner's two-month-old) is going to be our 'Jesus' this year and the Madison's are contributing one of their donkeys and an ox. Everything else is in place.

The single slightly cracked brass church bell begins ringing, resonating a deep tone echoing all through the community signifying time is near for the play to begin. As I make my way to the church I see a gathering of patrons on the lawn in front of the Nativity. I hear chatter and oohs and aahs as I approach. My eyes fixate on a sight to behold. I have never seen a more beautiful life size Nativity scene in all my years. Not old. Not weathered. But new, pure. The infant Jesus appears to be glowing, reminding us of the joy and hope he brings to the world. As the group parades into the church, the chatter continues. No one seems to know anything about the new Nativity scene.

The re-creation of Jesus' birth was beyond breathtaking. It was a very heartwarming performance. The troupe out did themselves this year. Even baby Jessie spread his arms and kicked his feet at precisely the right moment.

December 24th Christmas Eve Day. The children who have yet to see Santa make their way to Sips and Sweets. Again, Santa welcomes them.

“Ho! Ho! Ho! Come tell Santa what you want for Christmas.”

The same routine plays out till every child and some grownups have spoken with Santa.

Once the festivities are over Santa and Bernard help with the clean-up.

“Thank you, sir, for being our Santa. The children chose the right man for the job. We hope you will think about coming back next year.”

“I thank you Mayor Christian. But I don't believe I can make it in the year ahead. I'm a very busy man. This year you needed me, and I was thrilled to help out but now I must go.”

Santa with his huge red sack and Bernard slid out the door and were gone.

There was one last performance. The whole community looked forward to this night, not just because Santa was coming but because this was everyone's favorite play, 'The Night Before Christmas'. Preparations for this play can take almost half a year. The play was a great success. Again, everyone outperformed themselves. And the children were absolutely amazing.

As residents begin to depart the hall they heard a loud clamor.

“Ho! Ho! Ho! On Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, on Comet on Cupid and Donner and Blitzen! Lead the way, Rudolph! Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!”

Upon hearing the noise everyone scrambles out of the village hall as quickly as they can just in time to see and hear miracles happen. Everything is blanketed in a layer of fresh fallen snow as Santa and his reindeer fly overhead. In an instant the fifty-foot Scotch Pine comes to life with the brightest twinkling lights ever, shimmering off of glistening colored garland. Lampposts wrapped in Christmas lights intertwined with sparkling tinsel once dull and burned out are all aglow. Our church is living up to its name 'Joyful Hearts' as the one and only brass bell rings out loudly like a choir of Angels.

We all stand in awe as the miracles of Christmas come to be in front of our eyes. A 'Norman Rockwell Christmas Village' once again? Maybe.

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