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Hey Mama Goose—Yes Virginia There Is A Santa And His Name Is Jim

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Christmas-LoveHey Mama Goose,

Guess what? There really is a Santa Claus whose face glows with loving good cheer and whose blue eyes actually twinkle.   So he doesn’t blow his cover, he calls himself Jim, when he is not suited up.

Every year I take my two grandchildren to the local department store to get their pictures taken with Santa.  My granddaughter stutters, so she is reluctant to speak to strangers.  Last year’s Santa was an impatient most unjolly man, who should have been  cast as Scrooge.

So Sherry, a darling moppet of five, refused to go this year.   When I heard her adament pronouncement, I mentally lunged at last year’s Santa swinging Christmas Past’s heavy chains, flames flaring out my nostrils.

Finally the thought of her six old brother, Avery, experiencing a Christmas outing which traditionally includes sundaes at the Ghirardelli’s pushed her over the precipice.

Calling the store I found out they had hired a different Santa.  I strategized the fear factor would be minimized, if Sherry didn’t have to wait for a long time. So on the appointed day we were second in line.

Surprisingly instead of a young female elf in a short skirt flashing shapely legs, Santa’s assistant was Mrs. Claus.  No doubt the Dads waiting in line would be disappointed. Briefly I wondered why the elf was never a hot young hunk.

When it was Sherry’s turn, my heart was thumping so wildly, I should have been wearing my sports bra.  Mrs. Claus noticing Sherry’s hesitation put her arm around her shoulders and whispered something in her ear.  Sherry responded with a knowing smile and readily climbed on to Santa’s lap.

santa claus images I edged closer to hear.  Did you know Santa has a soft southern drawl?  I swear I saw puffs of light going off like old fashion camera flash bulbs all around them during the encounter. When Sherry got off Santa’s lap, her face was once again infused with the magic of Christmas.

Yes, I cried a few tears.   I was so grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Claus that I called the store to deliver them an invitation for dinner.   Tell me Mama Goose, what do you serve Santa Claus whose off season name is Jim?   Virginia

Dear Virginia,

There is nothing better than a story with a happy ending.  This one was perfect.   I share your joy. Now what can we cook up  for this auspicious couple.  I’m going to swim upstream with this suggestion, Yum Yum Meat Loaf.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Why?  In addition to his heavy Christmas schedule,  Santa spends a lot of time on the road lining up material suppliers, checking out what is new in the toy world and keeping tabs on the naughty and nice rosters.   Those meals on the road  can build a terrific yearning for a down home comfort meal.  But jazz up the meal with an elegant table setting.  Select a nice bottle or two or three of red wine to counteract all the Xmas milk.  Oh definitely NO cookies.

 

meat-loaf-tomato-jam-15.jpg yesYum Yum Meatloaf
Ingredients
  • 1 pound LEAN GROUND BEEF
  • ½ pound GROUND PORK
  • 1 cup YELLOW ONION, chopped small
  • ½ cup RED PEPPER, chopped small
  • ¼ cup CELERY, chopped small
  • 1 Egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon SALT
  • ½ teaspoon GROUND PEPPER
  • 2 cloves FRESH GARLIC, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon DRIED OREGANO
  • 1 15 oz can ITALIAN STEWED TOMATOES
  • ¼ cup DRIED PARMESAN CHEESE
  • ½ cup OATMEAL
Instructions
  1. ) Mix ground beef, pork, salt, oregano, pepper & garlic
  2. ) Add onion, celery, red pepper, egg, parmesan cheese, oatmeal and blend until all ingredients are well combined
  3. ) Shape into a loaf and put in 1½ to 2 quart baking dish
  4. ) Pour Italian stewed tomatoes over the top
  5. ) Bake uncovered at 375 degrees F for 1 hour or until center tests done
  6. ) Serves 4 to 6

Comments

    • Yep—and if he drops anything on his suit when he is eating—it’s red and it matches. So we are good there too.
      Laughing—

      Reply

    • My holidays are wonderful. So your hope spot on. I send you the same! Just want to comment again about the Milk Punch you featured this week. Santa is going to LOVE you two.

      Reply

    • Ya know, I am not sure how sweetie pie I would be either for being a Santa. But if you are going to take on that job, then there is a professionalism in doing right even with being a Santa. I have become a meatloaf fiend in the last year or two. I am not sure how that developed. Right now I am just going with the flow.

      Reply

  6. That’s such a nice story, Carol! My boys have never wanted to go near the Santa at the mall so they never have. Luckily my husband’s work functions had some that they liked a little more. haha Meatloaf is the best kind of meal after a cold night in the sleigh!

    Reply

    • Some kids are like that—NO WAY. Personally I always liked Santa. Do you hear that Santa—I like you and here is my address. Ha!

      Reply

  8. This makes me so happy. I just took my husband back to my town where I’m from to go to the local mall (that is struggling to survive) to get our picture done with Santa, just like I used to. I used to stutter as a kid and I still slip into it if I’m anxious so this post I can relate to (and feel for) on a whole other level. I love that Santa was so nice to her, that really makes me happy. You’ll have to update us on Santa’s dinner! I wonder what he loves for dessert.. ?!

    Reply

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