Father Christmas ~ Yet another dream come true!

December 19, 2019 ~ We were walking through the shopping center doing a bit of Christmas shopping.  I was with my eldest son and my three faraway grandchildren who had all come to stay with me for about three weeks over Christmas time.  In the center court of the mall, we spotted Father Christmas having photos done with children. 

My inner child leaped with joy... once again... as she had done over many Christmas's before!  My lifelong dream surfaced in a rush of excitment!  I had always, always wanted a photo taken with father Christmas, but had grown too old now... how could it still be possible. 

As we walked past, I mentioned to my family that it was something I'd always dreamed of and asked them if they would come with me, because I was too shy, and of course they said, "No ways!"... they were too big for father Christmas and anyway, they said that they didn't believe in him. 

My inner child still believed in him, even if the adult part of me felt totally embarrassed to even think about it... "How ridiculous!", adult Panayiota exclaimed.  "Don't be stupid!  Who do you think you are? You're not special or important enough!" My mother's voice still controlling the outcome of my dreams. 

But, my son asked if it really was a dream of mine... as if he couldn't believe it, and I insisted that it really-really-rally was and somehow the conversation worked in my favour with everyone agreeing to have a photo done with me (for me) and we all went back.  We didn't have enough money on us, but the lady taking the money asked how much we had (all of us digging in bags, pockets, etc.) and she said that it was enough!  How kind.  I think she could see how much I wanted this as we mentioned to her that it was my lifelong dream. 

She took me forward first and told me to sit right next to santa, my one leg crossing over his, because obviously, I'm too big now to sit on his lap.  He took my hand... or did I take his... I can't remember, because I was so overwhelmed with JOY and excitement right then.

My family came in next and were all placed and finally the picture was taken.  Somewhere in those moments I told father Christmas that he had such a lovely (real) beard and he was the BEST father Christmas I'd ever seen.  He was so very sweet in his responses.  (I think he might have been the REAL father Christmas)

I shared on my Facebook page:

I just know someone is going to laugh... and it's okay. Today, my three faraway grandchildren and oldest son helped me to make my lifelong dream of having a photo done with Father Christmas come true.  My inner child was so overwhelmed with a mixture of joy and unexplainable deep sadness (mixed emotions) that I couldn't hold the tears back.

Walking away after the photo was taken, we passed a friend of mine from church... she must have wondered why I was crying. I'm glad she never asked... how could I explain this to anyone? Who could possibly understand?

63 years old and one of the happiest moments of my life. I'm still tearful thinking about it and feeling very, very grateful... what a blessed day in the extraordinary life of me 🌈 💛 How could I not share this with you all 🌻

How will I ever be able to thank my son and grandchildren enough for those few wonderful, magical moments in time where my childhood dream came true at last.  Every time I look at my photo, I feel overwhelmed with joy and love.  It's always going to be a photo that makes me happy and reminds me of LOVE and HAPPINESS. 

Over the next week after having the photo done with father Christmas, every time I walked past him at the mall, as we still had shopping to do, I smiled the biggest smile and blew him a kiss. His smile back at me was so warm and kind. 

​I will never forget him and the gift that he, the lady with him, my son and grandchildren gave to me that day... AN UNFORGETTABLE GIFT OF LOVE!  

THANK YOU!

~ Panayiota