Santa... and his many facades...

Now, I know...that you know...that Christmas is almost here and I am really excited! So, I commemoration of the "Big Guy" i.e. Santa, I just thought that I would share a special story with all of you. I remember one day in mid December, I was really hard up for a stop watch. Now, when you are nine and hard up for a stop watch, there are not a lot of places that you can get one. But, I knew specifically where one was and I was determined to get it, even though I knew where it could be found was a forbidden place.
Nonetheless, I wasn't deterred and I was off down the stairs and out into the garage. In our garage was our boat, the Blue Mastercraft (which is still there today) and inside was the much needed stop watch. We kept it there to use during waterski tournaments through the ski courses - BUT that is another story.
As I lifted the cover on the boat to climb inside I realized that I was not the only one there. To my suprise, the boat was full of wrapped and a few not-yet-wrapped presents. Now, I knew that my parents gave us presents for Christmas, no kid was that dumb. What I didn't know was just how many presents my parents were going to give us that year! Seriously we were in the money and add that to what Santa would bring... my sister and I were sitting pretty. I took careful note of what was there (including a radio that I had been begging for) and made a vow with myself to tell not a single one, they couldn't now that I found the "secret" hiding place. For the next week I was pins and needles trying to keep it a secret.
Come Christmas morning I was excited beyond all belief, but I knew that I had to act suprised, even though I already knew. As we began to open presents, I didn't crack, not once. Oh, I was the greatest actor. Then came a present from Santa, I couldn't wait to open it and find out what other presents we were cashing in on. To my real and utter suprise, it was the radio that I had wanted. Now, I rationalized thinking that my parents were going to have to take the one that they got for me back. How silly could they have been to get me a present that Santa had gotten for me too. As the presents continued, it slowly dawned on my that this was no coincidence. From that moment on I knew that this alleged "Santa" was really my parents. I think that I may have a even shead a few tears, I wouldn't put it past me. And still my excitement for Christmas and all of it's glories continues to this day... in fact I am off to work party to partake in the goods and try and win a few things in the raffle. I hear that "Santa" is going to be there... I'll have to give him a piece of my mind...