This entry was originally posted Christmas 2008. I think it deserves an annual repeat.

Santa– the life size painted, cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.

Santa began his life of service in the early 1960’s at my parents’ first house in Avalon.  He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs.  Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire” .

In the 1970’s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace.  The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.

In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go.  Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach.  In the 1980’s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!

When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990’s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home.  Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shore”.

Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.   Several years ago, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!

Now approaching 50 years old, Santa is showing some signs of wear (aren’t we all).  I

thought about asking an artist to do a “touch up”, but it just doesn’t seem right.   It’s good to remember that so much time has passed- it helps us to celebrate the journey.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. for 2017-  I updated Santa’s photo this year.  He’s now in his mid- 50’s, fading a bit from a healthy share of salt air and sun light 😉

We had the opportunity to meet and talk with a temporary neighbor on our block.  We saw the car, and house lights (rare this time of year!)- and guessed they were winter tenants- maybe while building a house?

It turns out they are full time residents of St. John, USVI. They were traveling just before the hurricanes, and then unable to get back home immediately after.

The husband is a charter boat captain, and the wife is a full time real estate agent for a Sotheby’s office on St. John.  Obviously their lives and livelihoods were turned upside down.

Thankfully, their home survived the 200+ mile per hour winds (I can’t even imagine), and they are planning to move back by January -in time for high season.  They shared stories of the resilience and recovery from their island neighbors- very inspiring.

I thought it was unusual that they took refuge on our island- but the wife grew up in Cape May Court House and they have family and friends nearby. We discovered several “small world” connections.

An evening of perspective to be grateful for our simple life – especially meaningful at Christmas.

This never gets old…