Contributed by Deanna Golden

At church last Sunday, our pastor spoke about legacy, and as a Christian, how we will be remembered. The bottom line was the character we left behind and how others were impacted by it. I can’t help but apply that to our role in Christmas. I think of the legacies and characters of the Clauses who came before us – especially in light of the incredible people who left us this year and those before them. Like me, you probably have a wave of names and faces and memories in your minds of people who affected you and were role models for developing your Claus persona. I can’t even begin to list all the names, and would hate to miss one if I tried.

Whether or not we met any of these amazing influencers, each of us, in some way, is a part of their legacy. In fact, we’re a part of the legacy of those from whom they learned. The chain runs deep and long. We all know what we know and do what we do because someone selflessly shared what they knew and what they did. The concept of Pay it Forward started long before a movie.

I believe we step into this Claus life with a greater obligation than bringing a smile to a child or sharing our joy and love of Christmas. We are also obligated to inspire each other as Christmas performers, as well as, the Mrs. Clauses, Santas, and Elves of tomorrow. Think about this…a child you visit this year will one day wear red. They will look back at the visit you had with them and say, “That’s the kind of Claus I want to be.” They will remember the conversation, how you looked at them, how you encouraged them, how you were present with them, how they felt after visiting with you. They’ll remember what you looked like, your tone, your compassion, your humor, your joy, your hug, and your lore and knowledge of Christmas. Lord willing, they won’t say that’s the kind of Claus I will never be. It’s a wonderful and awesome responsibility.

With all humility, a question to consider as we head into the season, is: what will I do this Christmas to contribute to my legacy for the child who will become a Claus after me? We may never know which child we visit this season will be the one to discover their Christmas future. I pray that in some way, in every visit and interaction, I remember the characters and hearts of the Clauses that taught, mentored, influenced, and modeled for me to say, “That’s the kind of Claus I want to be.”

Let’s honor those we learned from by spreading their legacy and paying it forward. Thanks to each of you for everything you’ve taught me. Merry Christmas.

Deanna

Deanna has portrayed Mrs. Anna Claus since 2014 and lives in Cave Creek, AZ. 

 

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Character