Santa, Early Work July 1994
“But how did he get in?” asked the children.
At this the fathers shook their heads, being themselves unable to understand how Claus had gained admittance to their homes; but the mothers, watching the glad faces of their dear ones, whispered that the good Claus was no mortal man but assuredly a Saint, and they piously blessed his name for the happiness he had bestowed upon their children.
“A Saint,” said one, with bowed head, “has no need to unlock doors if it pleases him to enter our homes.”
And, afterward, when a child was naughty or disobedient, its mother would say:
“You must pray to the good Santa Claus for forgiveness. He does not like naughty children, and, unless you repent, he will bring you no more pretty toys.”
But Santa Claus himself would not have approved this speech. He brought toys to the children because they were little and helpless, and because he loved them. He knew that the best of children were sometimes naughty, and that the naughty ones were often good. It is the way with children, the world over, and he would not have changed their natures had he possessed the power to do so.
And that is how our Claus became Santa Claus. It is possible for any man, by good deeds, to enshrine himself as a Saint in the hearts of the people.
–L. Frank Baum, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, 1902
I have shared a shorter version the passage above from the 1902 book, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, from L. Frank Baum here in recent years. I thought that a bit fuller version would be more appropriate, especially with that final line.
I also liked the explanation of how Santa could enter a home without anyone knowing. It also reminded me of a poem from the late Shel Silverstein, called Christmas Dog which gave a dog’s viewpoint on Christmas. This pup was definitely aware of Santa’s entrance.
Tonight’s my first night as a watchdog,
And here it is Christmas Eve.
The children are sleepin’ all cozy upstairs,
While I’m guardin’ the stockin’s and tree.What’s that now–footsteps on the rooftop?
Could it be a cat or a mouse?
Who’s this down the chimney?
A thief with a beard–
And a big sack for robbin’ the house?I’m barkin’ I’m growlin’ I’m bittin’ his butt.
He howls and jumps back in his sleigh.
I scare his strange horses, they leap in the air.
I’ve frightened the whole bunch away.Now the house is all peaceful and quiet again,
The stockin’s are safe as can be.
Won’t the kiddies be glad when they wake up tomorrow
And see how I’ve guarded the tree.
Let’s finish this off today with a holiday song. I’ve played this song, Must Be Santa from Bob Dylan, a few times over the past decade. It’s a great song, a rollicking polka with a klezmer feel that takes Dylan back his Jewish roots. Plus, in the entertaining video you get the bonus of seeing Dylan dance. Good fun.
Redtree Times 