05 December 2008, 1:01 am
This year Santa has been rushing about trying to provide gifts for the 117 children aged 3 to 14 at Ban Yoei Sakae School whom he has been sponsoring for these past four years. However, this year I have tried a novel approach. One that may tickle your fancy.
Beginning in early November and much to the chagrin of my wife Phongsri, I began growing a beard for the first time in over twenty years. It still needs a lot of work, but it is coming along nonetheless.
I have done "Santa" gigs for many years now but as years pass I have become more frustrated with my less than perfect wig and paraphenalia. The amount of gray and white in
my beard is far greater than I expected but I have some black streaks as wide as skunk lines and they don't seem to be appropriate to the image of the Santa I have grown to love.Time to call for a new strategy.
I certainly don't want to look anything like the cartoon character Pepe Le Pew. So I tried something revolutionary for someone as conservative as I have been. I actually went
to the beauty shop and had my wife's hairdresser attempt to dye my hair, beard, even my wispy eye brows and handlebar moustache the appropriate white color. But to no avail. There goes 500 baht.
After three hours of effort and a lot of pain and enduring the stench of harsh chemicals I came out with a golden, yellowish whitish combination pate that only a mother, half-blind and teetering on dementia might be inclined to appreciate. The hairdresser looked at me and said in her gentlest Thai, "take it, or leave it." (my translation). I suspected that meant don't complain or she would shave my head and send me on my way.
So back home it was, and into the old red suit I poured my portly frame and adjusted all the flaps and prepared for takeoff. Here goes nothing.
I arrived at Big C about 4 p.m. and the manager grabbed me up immediately and sent me on my first forray around the crowded store handing out snacks, candies and other delicacies to the on-rushing hordes of excited children. Cameras and mobile phones appeared seemingly out of no-where and soon you could hear the sound of clicks and flashes from every direction.
Once that round passed I joined the photographers who set up the prime location for this magnificent event. For a mere 500 baht purchase customers can have a free 4 by 6 photo compliments of the store. If they wish Santa to appear in their entourage however they are supposed to include a minimum donation of 10 baht for Santa's benefit. Most of the time in
the spirit of the season the customers have been far more than generous.
Now everyday since then I have parked my frame at Big C promptly at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. to be available for the customers. On the weekends when the crowds are expected it's from 11
a.m. until 8 p.m. Oh, and is this suit ever hot! Grin and bear it,you might say since it's only for 10 days. The Texans held out for 13 days at the Alamo.
During the rest of the time during the part of the day before I report for duty I simply meander about Buriram, in and out of offices and schools appearing magically dressed for the part. You should see the looks on the faces of those who come upon me suddenly. Now these pictures would be worth a thousand words, but enough said.
At this point we are still waiting for the hordes of picture seekers to appear as it will take quite a few pictures to generate the funds to buy everything on Santa's list for my little army of kids. After all 117 is a big number.
What's a mother to do? you might ask. How about Santa? I reply. It will all be worth it though when the magic day finally arrives. December 25th, beginning at 4 p.m. Then along
with the manager and staff from Big C we plan to deliver the goods--- notebooks, pencils, rulers, erasers, socks, stuffed toys and hopefully new uniforms and bookbags for a lot of
deserving children. Lots of treats and trinkets will be available too I am sure.
Now, that's what Christmas is all about. Giving is far better than getting. Besides, what on earth could I ever do with another useless necktie when I don't even wear a single one of the hundreds I have accumulated over a lifetime.
Come by Big C and sit for your photo with Santa and remember we are all still children of sorts. Add a few coins or better yet some of that paper stuff to Santa's bright red donation box to help us achieve the objective of delighting a lot of deserving children. All gifts will be gratefully received.
What's more, I am carefully considering keeping and continuing to grow my beard. That is of course if Mrs. Claus won't object. Now that's another story in itself. Now it's the
appropriate time to say it: Ho! Ho! Ho! See you at Big C or at Ban Yoei Sakae School. In the meantime, smile pretty and say "cheese."
your faithful editor; Roger Walker, BuriRam Post
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