Is There A Santa Claus ?

A few days ago, my Mom shared this story with me via e-mail. I'm sure it's making it's rounds on the internet but in case you haven't read it yet, it's a great heartwarming tale for Christmas! Check it out...

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!" My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true. Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" She snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." "Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car. "Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas. That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby. Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95. May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care....And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

If Everyone Cared

What would happen IF EVERYONE CARED? That's the question posed in the latest Nickelback song that begins playing on 95.1 WAYV tomorrow (12/12). We sent the link to the video for the song to our WAYV Insiders Club members earlier today - and here are some of the responses!

Leave it to Nickelback to write a truly meaningful song with some serious perspective. These days caring seems to only be superficial-and when people make mistakes, there is no forgiveness, just hate. Hate hurts. During the holidays, people need to start reflecting on what life really means and give thanks for the joy life has to offer. Thanks for the email. Warm Regards, Aimee


I just watched the Nickelback video sent to me in email, and wow....what more can I say. It makes me think twice about complaining about little things ...and to realize that still, today, people are fighting for equal rights and for their word to be heard. It is unbelievable what people have gone through to make themselves heard. It is a wonderful song, amazing video, and should be , I believe, nationally shown because its message is so inspiring, and filled with hope that if people fight for what they believe in, and believe in the cause they are fighting for , that one day, with time, starting with one person, could change the world, and make it a better place....
Thanks Paul!...Have a Great Holiday! God Bless!


That should be an inspirational advertisement...This could be a spark for the next amazing achievement. Could be your neighbor, your brother/sister, your son/daughter or even you if you have the strength to go the distance... Peace be with you, one and all!
John


That Nickelback song and those facts are amazing. I can't beleive that they are real, it really makes you realize, especially this time of year to be more giving. Thank you for sharing that.
Meagan

That was awesome....But, it is like preaching to the choir....many of us understand the message, but there are MANY MANY others who need to see and listen to this....., not that it would make a difference, but then again...you only need to influence ONE.......

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO!

What do YOU think about it? We'd love to know - just click on Comments below!

Get In Line !

I know it's the Christmas shopping season - and people are waiting in lines in stores all over South Jersey. I had a situation while waiting in line the other day that we can probably all relate to.

I was in line at my local Wawa in EHT and there were quite a few of us waiting. To Wawa's credit, another cashier came out and opened up another register to speed things up. She announced, "I'll take the next person over here." Upon hearing that announcement, the people at the BACK of the line scurried over to become the first ones in the new line. Come on! Where is the common courtesy of these people? How do you deliberately get in line ahead of someone YOU KNOW belongs in front of you?! The key word the cashier said was "NEXT" - she said she'll take the "NEXT person" in line...not the person who can get there the fastest! It never ceases to amaze me how some people can be so rude - and maybe not even realize it! So this Christmas, when you're waiting to check out at Best Buy, or Macy's, or Walmart, or even Wawa - PLEASE show your fellow shoppers the consideration they deserve!

Is it just me? Please sound off below by clicking on "comments"!