Close Encounter with the Fat Man

Rochester NY is known as the Lilac City. Beautiful and fragrant lilac trees throughout the city, making the spring bursting of flowers look like a sunnier continuation of winter snowstorms.

On one wintery day my parents took me for a walk. I remembered the fragrant Lilacs in Spring smelling so sweet. It was in great contrast to what I smelled now, in the depths of winter.

I smelled snow. White, fluffy, fresh snow.

The absence of odor and the blanket over the earth was spooky.

At night there was a glow. Red, green, yellow, blue, white. Red, green, yellow, blue, white. Red green, yellow, blue, white.

We went down the hill on our street named Hilary Drive. Decorated trees, tinsel sparkling, yard art appropriate for the winter and Christmas season. Candle-lined driveways. Grey smoke rising from chimneys.

It was quiet. Peaceful. I felt like a mysterious guest having descended on winter-wonderland. In my five year old mind's eye, I replayed the last night's movie of Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer. Peacefully parading with proud parents among eager children.

We made a right turn. I had never been down this street before.

Where were the giggles coming from... Who was being amused this late at night? Why were so many children and their parents outside?

I think we were coming up to a barn or farm of some kind. The barn yard noises were here. Braying donkeys, neighing horses, barking dogs, hooting barn owls,

Patience I was told was a virtue. Do you know that means nothing to a youngster standing in line. For what? A petting zoo?

Slowly we inched forward and I heard fewer animals. What I saw was unbelievable: real life Rudolphs!

Harnessed together, we slowly passed all the reindeers of my childhood movies. But this was no movie: I heard the deep rumbles, and round laughter.

Ho Ho Ho.

There he was, on his sleigh: red velvet suited, white bearded Santa.

I saw him. In person. Waiting for me!

Santa! Hello Santa!


This article was written by guest blogger, Lou Polur.

Thanks, Lou!