My second season was similar to last year's inaugural Santa Claus experience. My favorite client called again and arranged a booking that added another hour to the event. Again, I made an appearance at a non-profit toy giveaway to children and families in need. And I added a new client who booked me at an apartment complex Christmas party.

Again, I made just a handful of appearances, and this was alright, given the unusual year that has been 2010. In the Spring, I guided my small, mostly elderly congregation into closing the doors after 50+ years of ministry (I'd been there for the final 6 years of it's life). My marriage of 19 years officially came to an end. And for a while I found myself in the growing number of jobless people in this country. There is nothing worse than getting to a place where you wonder where you're going to live, how you're going to afford a tank of gas, and whether or not it's time to visit a food bank.

But the late summer and fall brought good changes. I took a position working in campus ministry, albeit in a part-time capacity. I moved to a better part of the metro Denver area, and I found a special companionship I didn't think possible. This fall, life took on a new sense of normal that was pretty good. But I'd let Santa Claus drop off my radar screen.

Santa sort of snuck up on me this year, but I'm glad he did. The season got brighter and much more exciting. I added some boots to the ensemble this year, retiring the spats. I played around with spirit gum to better fix the beard to my face. I picked up a nicer Santa possibles bag to better carry my stuff to and from events. And I began again to look at the possibilities offered by this still-new experience of bringing the magic of Santa Claus to children and families.

I'm getting cues that tell me I need to take some additional steps down the Santa road this offseason. I've been contacted by a group, Society of Santas, and have been invited to their January meeting. I'm starting to look at making bigger investments in the costume, especially paying attention to upgrading the whiskers. I may sign up for the Santa school in California, though I've been told there is a very good mentor in the area who could help me.

I've not been on ClausNET much this past year, but I've really enjoyed reading the Gazette, and have enjoyed the posts and forums I find here. Hopefully I'll be able to contribute more to this good community as I continue this amazing journey down Santa Claus Lane.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!