I've played Santa several times for some kids from one of the housing projects. It's one of the best times I have all year. Most of the kids - around 60 of them know I'm a chubby guy in a red velvet suit. But for about ten or twelve of them I'm the real Santa. And that's priceless.

One little boy ran back up to me after he'd been on my lap and said "Santa - look at what you gave me - it's a truck !!" Of course I answered back - "I knew you wanted one". Later - with kids still on my lap he comes back with a soccer ball and asks " Santa - Would you like to play some soccer ?? " I had to tell him I was busy.

While talking to the kids I've learned that I have to be careful of some of the things I say. The first year I played Santa I told one of the first kids to make sure they minded their mom and dad and to be good before Christmas. The little girl replyed that she didn't have a dad and that her mom was in jail for awhile - but that she would be good and mind her older sister. Santa had to recover very quickly.

All in all though it's more fun that any one person should be allowed to have. Never pass up a chance to play Santa. It's a real learning experience - and the best present I receive.