While growing up my family never really did the whole “Santa” thing, but that didn’t really matter.. because our town had our very own Santa...
This is Bill, Our Mountain Santa
Many small towns have their own traditions and this is one of ours..
Like most traditions, this one started long ago and no one quite knows the exact beginnings. But Bill, known as Uncle Bill, has taken on the role of our community Santa.
You see, this is just the way Uncle Bill looks.. that’s not a fake beard... and while he doesn’t sport that lovely shade of red all year.. the beard and glasses are always there.
The story goes that so many young children on the mountain mistook him for Santa Claus, that he just decided to embrace it. Since then, every year he dresses up as Santa and sends out a special holiday card. He also makes appearances at the school and just brings joy with him wherever he goes.
Each year my Grandmother would take Uncle Bills Christmas Card and turn it into an ornament for the tree. We have quite the collection now, and each year they are added on the tree with the memories that go along with them.
One of my favorite memories was running into Uncle Bill unexpectedly at the store, gas station or post office. Just the sight of him would make me smile, and he always returned it will an equal amount of joy. He even started carrying around small candy canes throughout the year to surprise us when we ran into him.
Even me, a kid who didn’t believe in Santa at the time, found joy and excitement everytime I would see our Mountain Santa.
This year is extra special because Uncle Bill is turning 90 years old in a couple weeks. He’s been playing the role of our Mountian Santa for longer than I have been alive, and now we are planning something special for him.. as a thank you for all the joy he’s brought us.
I think he’s special for many reasons, but most because he seemed to understand very quickly how just a small amount of effort could bring so much happiness to those he didn’t even know. He didn’t bring gifts, we didn’t take him lists... we brought him hugs and smiles and he gave us the same in return.
This tradition has never been about presents from the store.. it’s about connecting with each other on deeper level through small acts of kindness, and the gift of a smile.. just when you need it the most... and I think that is the message he taught us.
So, here's to Uncle Bill on his 90th Birthday... to the Mountain Santa who taught us the real reason for the season...
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more...
I hope you find joy in the small things, and never underestimate the value of kindness.
Much Love and Merry Christmas,
Justine