A Season of Sacrifice and Gratitude: My Holiday Memories
Behind the cheerful facade of Santa in red, this is the story of a year that demanded more than a physically present body but a spirit full of purpose, a heart overflowing with love, and hands brimming with compassion. Let us explore the memories and experiences that shaped this exceptional holiday season.
Busier Than Ever
Our lives may be filled with cherished moments and memories, but not everyone has the privilege to spend their holiday season attached to such experiences. While many celebrate with family and friends, the ongoing demands of essential jobs and additional responsibilities can make it challenging to participate in traditional holiday rituals.
The Nitty-Gritty of the Job
Last year was undoubtedly the busiest season I've ever had. I worked my full-time job as an essential worker and managed a staggering 47 Santa gigs. Of these, three involved a full day of professional photography sessions, while the rest were in-home visits. The journey to fulfill these engagements was both taxing and fulfilling.
Every morning, I left my home at 0530 a.m. Working until 5 p.m., I squeezed in a quick shower, donned my dress reds, and hit the road. Many evenings, my dinner was a fast-food drive-thru, beckoning me with its mundane comfort. By 10:30 p.m., I would return home, physically and emotionally drained, eager only for some rest.
Missing the Magic
Despite the grueling schedule, there was a sense of loss post-Christmas, a blue period that shadows the festive joy. However, my best memory from the season is one that brought unexpected warmth and profound grace.
The Unexpected Visit and Divine Encouragement
A significant memory stands among many others from another client, a family with a 21-year-old son who had a rare genetic condition. This young man was only mentally at the age of 2-3 years. An earlier visit had been postponed due to a snowstorm, and I was finally able to visit on December 22nd, 2022, at 9:45 p.m.
Upon arrival, feeling physically, spiritually, and mentally exhausted, I turned to prayer for strength and compassion. As I mustered the strength to keep going, a young boy, unable to control his excitement, almost pulled me to the ground by grabbing my robe. Instead of reacting with frustration, I felt a profound sense of connection—a heart-warming reminder of divine love.
Before pictures could be taken, the young man, lacking control, launched himself into my lap, drawing laughter from everyone around. Amidst the joy, I looked deeply into his eyes and felt an overwhelming love that transcended this world. My heart swelled with love, and my spirit was invigorated with strength. If you have never truly felt the power of God's love, this moment could be a profound lesson in its meaning.
Lessons and Gratitude
In this visit, I was not simply a costume and a smile. I was a conduit through which God's love and strength flowed. I arrived to bring joy, but God sent me there to remind me of something greater. I realized that God's love is personal, and that he loves each of us on a profound and intimate level. He used this experience to strengthen me, to remind me of his love, and to remind me that he continually supports us.
While the details of the visit are fuzzy in my mind, the experience is etched deeply in my heart. It is a reminder that God's love is not merely a warm and ethereal feeling but a force that can anchor us through the toughest times and provide us with the strength to face each challenge with grace and purpose.
As the story of this unique holiday goes, it is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of gratitude, and the profound impact of genuine human connections.
Indeed, the season may bring both joy and hardship, but the memories that last are not those we accumulate but those we treasure and take with us into the new year.