You never know who you might run into when on a November flight to Paradise - Santa Claus!
This Thanksgiving my whole family is spending it our favorite tropical Paradise. Ann Marie and I got upgraded to first class and were settling in for another pleasant flight to our next sun-filled adventure. As I am settling in to my cushy seat a man walked by me headed for the cockpit. From just a fleeting glance he had a long white beard, white hair, a tropical shirt that had Santas on surfboards all over it, and shorts and flip-flops. He was at least 70 years old and certainly had the belly that one would expect from Santa.
As I watched him enter the cockpit, the pilots welcomed him as a long lost friend, and “Santa” took over the pilot’s seat and fooled around with the controls a bit. The jet engines fired up and there was more conversation with the pilots and this man who was a dead ringer for “Jolly Old St. Nick”. He said his goodbyes to the pilots and walked back past me to his seat. This time I got a good look at his face and his spectacles that rested on his nose.
I got out of my seat and followed him to his seat. Seated next to him was Mrs. Claus!!! I was blown away at my good fortune to finally personally meet Santa and his wife. I kneeled down in the isle and asked if I could speak with him for a moment. I asked him, “Are you who I think you are?” He said, “If you think you are talking with Santa, you are correct!” What an unforgettable moment I was about to have.
There was a whole series of questions that I just blurted out. The jist of it is that I learned he starts the logistics of his annual trip over 30 days before his sleigh fide on Christmas Eve night. He and Mrs. Claus were on their way to the spot where they launch their annual adventuer and I happened to on the SAME airplane. The conversation he was having with the pilots was to let them know they may be seeing some UFOs on their radar screens about a month from now, but not to worry.
We ended our conversation with him asking me some questions. He started out with the tyical, “Have you been naughty or nice stuff?” I let him know that he would have to ask my family and friends their opinion of that question. We both laughed and he then asked if I would sit on his knee and let him know my favorite wish for Christmas. It got a bit complicated when I started off on the topic of solving world hunger, clean drinking water for everyone, and world peace with every national leader being a woman since they never start wars.
He interrupted me and asked if there was something just for me that I might want him to drop off when he visits our home. I had to think a moment or two. There is actually nothing I need in my life. I am blessed beyond measure. But, I did come up with a small request. My earring that I have had since I sailed across the equator in 1997 broke a few weeks ago, so I let him know that it would be nice to find a new one. He said, “I will do what I can to find the perfect replacement and drop it off on my way by Christmas Eve.” WOW!
We ended our conversation with him thanking me for taking a few moments to chat, and his final words were, “Never stop counting your blessings, and never stop sharing them with others” I promised
I would and we said goodbye. On Christmas Eve night, I will be waiting all night for his arrival so we can check in with each other again. This was the most unforgettable Thanksgiving moment I have had in memory – meeting the real Santa Claus!
We are sending you our best wishes as you spend time with your family and friends counting your blessings. Remember, it doesn’t have to be just once a year. Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!
