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Page THE HERALD OUTLOOK Saluda Merry Christmas from Santa past Hide this column from your grandchildren Its highly unlike ly they even know it exists so it okay to tell this story after a long self imposed silence without rying about destroying the myth of jolly old St Nick I was Santa Yep several times Right here in town Hie kids loved me and why not I granted every wish list whispered slobbered screamed in my ear regardless of length or family fortunes I was a giver If a kid wanted a pony he or she could leave my knee in a state of sheer excitement I left it to the parents to soften the blow as ponies were not housebroken and had great difficulty going down or upstairs to basement or high nse apartments Dolls fire trucks puppies drums baby sisters and brothers were practically guaranteed with a hearty ho while parents stood shocked into bankruptcy and disbelief with every generous nod or verification of childish dreams The kids had hit the mother lode You see it was my first time out as a volunteer Santa and I wanted to do well to impress the kids What I did was impress the parents and their wallets Thank goodness for the make up white beard and red baggy suit Many a shell shocked parent vowed if it took a lifetime to discover who the red suited old villain was that had just ear marked them for debtor s prison It was me Cotton Bros had a clothing store for men and women where the Royal Bank stands today on Main Street They had a side for men and a side for ladies It was a busy and popular store At the back of the store was a flight of wide stairs leading to the shoe department It was at the top of these stairs they would place a big chair and as the hundreds of kids parents aunts uncles and grandparents ascended the stairs to the kingdom of makebelieve there would be me laughing greeting and Beside me would be two lovely high school girls in red elf outfits with little green caps to assist me They were there to encourage the timid soothe the aggressive manhandle the difficult en courage the disbeliever and perpetuate the myth Santa was a yes man No was not in my vocabulary There were two performances for Santa on a Saturday two-to- four in the afternoon and six till eight in the evening It was a hard gruelling risky business The store would send a donation to the Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund or a Crippled Children donation for Stories by W Steamer Emmerson my services But back to the evening ap pearance of Santa The first year it didn dawn on me kids that had slipped their confidential wishes in my ear in the afternoon were returning for the evening show to pad their lists It was downright embarrassing to ask a child his or Iter name at the night show and be scolded if you have forgotten my name already how will you know where to deliver my presents Today they call it a gotcha I did it on Sunday afternoons at the old Roxy Theatre for employee groups One Sunday afternoon after the show was over a tittle girl about five wondered where I was about to change Naturally I couldn t doff my beard so I sat and waited til she was finally found by her parents She had a audience with Santa that was about 10 minutes It was a wonderful magical time for me and her Somewhere at this time of year a mother or even a grand mother is telling her kids about how she and Santa just sat and talked at a Christmas party alone To those of you who have been coaxed into a white beard and red suit and are to be the grand finale at any type of Christmas do here s a list of suggestions that may help you make it through the day or night 1 Be cheerful plenty of ho-ho- s and Merry Christmas s Break every 30 minutes to change clothes if need be Kids wet in excitement usually on your knee Don t take a shot of rye before going on Kids will tell mother Santa breath is just like Daddy s If you are appearing twice don try to remember their names They become mean and ugly when you forget 5 Be prepared for the frighten ed kid who suddenly pulls your beard till the elastic snaps Break their arms before it snaps so you are not caught barefaced 6 Don t tell anyone family or friend you are Santa If you pro mise what can be delivered you are m trouble maybe for a lifetime And last but not least give December Features ProfileStinger Electric Guitars Wide Selection of Christmas Music Low Everyday Prices INSTRUMENTS ACCESSORIES S0N6 BOOKS LESSONS St GEORGETOWN lots of love and attention to the kids and their Mom s you II be surprised how many want to sit on your knee and kiss you I mean the Moms MERRY SANTA STEAK EXPRESS ffi GEORGETOWN Sol oak accent showwood ha In me nosay and a com are ust a tew of the marry featu of comfortable i other lnrtn Ml reduced to dear 498 DESIGNER SECTIONALS Over 25 different styles to m Unliable with beds and all das and Ml hardwood rime nfrsaf spnns and nylon conn Our low and family btrtiness Look art 397 INVEST IN SOLID OAK This complete wile uteres solids no COMPLETE veneers If demand the best a a must to see reduced to deaf Dm SO other Kites In stock A volume purchase mean huge sannp SALE Wide selection of covers and immediate delivery Must be seen Heavy density foam cushions Both pieces only Q Q LEATHER GALLERY BLOWOUT All styles colours brand names and yes a price for every All leather sofas up to For the lowest prices and quickest delivery shop today Similar to above DINETTESDINING ROOMS Dont let the fool yon Were Over solid oak pine contemporary reduced to dear baked enamel has a table Come and see it tor yourself SALE A FAMILY BUSINESS BUILT ONTARIO CHESTERFIELD WHOLESALERS BEHIND GUELPH AUTO MALL 120126 MALCOLM 7634477 1