Editor's Notebook

Becoming Santa

Patch Editor James Warden got a shot at playing Santa during the Hopkins Activity Center’s Thanksgiving Celebration.

I’m not a hugger. But Santa is. I’m not someone who can make small talk with dozens of strangers. I’m not comfortable being the center of attention. But Santa is. So when Hopkins Activity Center Receptionist Sharon Nelson waved me into the gym, I chimed my bell and gave the crowd a hearty, “Ho-ho-ho! Merry Christmas!” I’d been invited to be Santa for the Activity Center’s annual Thanksgiving Celebration on Tuesday. Apparently, it’s not that easy to find someone willing to play the part. Still, I was thrilled—if a little nervous. I even practiced my “ho-ho-ho” while my wife was at work. There are a lot of niggling logistical details you don’t really think of until you’re the one in the velvet suit—things like what to wear underneath. Do I …

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