Finding comfort in the hope of Santa

As I walked into Bass Pro Shops sporting my elf hat that jingled with every step, I headed for Santa's Wonderland thinking it would be a normal day at work. My job as one of the many elves was to take the photos of the children as they sat on Santa's lap and whispered their Christmas wishes to him. I held a set of jingle bells in my left hand that I shook directly next to the camera to grab their attention, while simultaneously snapping the photos. I had this gig down to a science. After several children had passed through the line that day, I noticed a teenager was patiently waiting. Her face downcast, she slowly walked up to Santa and sat on his knee, turning into a child once again. He put his gloved hand under her chin so he could meet her eyes, then looked at me and put a hand up, signaling for me to wait. I watched as Santa slowly bowed his head and prayed over the teenage girl. It was as if time stopped. Getting the perfect picture no longer mattered. She shed a few tears, hugged him, and thanked him before getting up to leave the magic of Wonderland. In that moment, my heart was drawn to her. It reminded me of how many times when I was anxious or stressed that I, too, wanted to run to my childhood and feel safe again. I think she came to Santa that day in search of restoration from the one person who gave her hope throughout her childhood. The magic of the season blossomed for me that year, with a treasured memory I revisit from time to time, reigniting that hope.