The journey was took us through the do’s and don’ts of becoming a Santa, a ride along the polar express, the importance of sidewalk Santas and even a little history about St. Nick and the commercialization of Santa Claus. I watched in amazement as one man changed the lives of so many children. He was doing such a good job until he said of a crying child, “Santa thinks you’re gonna to learn to swim when your parents throw you in the water.” NOT exactly the Santa we all have grown to love, but I guess everyone has their moments. Although he was sure to land in family photo albums around the world, it was becoming work and he still hadn’t found the spirit until he hit Quincy, Massachusetts. Led in front of a crowd with little direction, his bag of tricks from Santa school came out and he was in full improve form. He was fantastic! That night there was an extra twinkle in Jack’s eyes.
However the day that Jack topped the fire truck in the Quincy Christmas parade, he seemed to find his joy while waving to the children below. I believe this is his calling….a parade Santa. It seems so much easier for him than the sweaty Polar Express or the exhaustion of being the mall Santa. He was the rock-star Santa!
Throughout the film we learn of the history of St. Nick and what he has become in the life of so many. There was one story that stuck out to me and I just had to share. Operation Santa Claus is a program that has run through the United States Postal Service. Millions of letters pile into USPS every year from children hoping to get their message to Santa. The film focused on Peter Fontana from the New York office. I love this story. Take a look!
All those who put on the suit create the Christmas spirit. “There are lots of people on TV who will tell you how to live your life and the Santa community lives their lives as an example of how to treat each other. That is an awesome thing to see. People who are living what they believe.”
As Christmas Eve rolled around, Jack found himself at the nearing end of his journey. His final gig was “sneak and peeks” where parents hired him to come into homes and they wake their children to catch a glimpse of Santa putting out presents. It was in these final magical moments that Jack truly shined as a Santa. Moments that no family would ever forget! What I loved was that the faces of the parents were as excited as the children’s. Giving the gift of hope, magic and the Christmas spirit feels simply amazing! Sitting back in his chair after a long night, Jack shared, “I might do just one more year”. Who can blame him? There is nothing like the feelings you get from Santa….I can only imagine being the one who delivers that love.
In his search to find his Christmas spirit, Jack Sanderson grasped so much more. Along the way to Becoming Santa he realized that Santa is real. “I’m convinced, because he’s it! He is the only thing that is keeping the spirit of giving and compassion and concern for others alive.”
After watching Becoming Santa I realized that so often I am an observer in the Christmas spirit. Although I am the official family Santa who lights up the house for the neighbors to see, I don’t really do much more than donate a few toys and wear a smile and a holiday pin to spread the love. This film has helped to remind me that Christmas isn’t limited to a calendar month…this kind of love needs a place year-round. My newest addition to my New Year’s resolutions is to try to spread more of that love, empathy and kindness each and every day. If we all did that, the world would truly be a better place. Happy Holidays!
Note: If you are interested in seeing the trailer, or past videos about the history of Christmas or more clips from the film, check them out in our previous Doc Club posts.
Set your TiVo for Friday, Dec. 23rd to catch “Becoming Santa” at 4am EST…only on OWN!