Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Cross House

Many many years ago I lived in St. Petersburg, Florida.

And one of my most vivid, cherished memories is of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

Every year, about ten days before Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Claus would sit in their respective rocking chairs, atop the roof of their porch, and wave at passing cars.

Every year. For like twenty years. For about an hour-and-a-half every night.

This created a sensation, wholly stopped traffic, and became a holiday tradition.

In time, Mr. and Mrs. Claus (not, perhaps, their real names) died, and the tradition stopped.

But I remember.

I remember.

I remember.

A while after buying the Cross House I realized that I, too, now owned a house with a porch roof. And that a tradition from long ago could be conjured again.

So, I say the following with absolute conviction:

After I move into the Cross House, and for every year that I have a breath in me, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will wave at passing cars and passing people from the porch roof.

And during a time when hope is proving difficult, this idea is keeping me buoyant.

I wish everybody good holidays, a warm hug, a sloppy kiss, and, oh, so much love. So much love.

 

With

You can see them, right? Mr. and Mrs. Claus, sitting in their rocking chairs in front of the arched second-floor window to the right?

 

''[

And to all, a good night.

 

 

22 Comments

  1. Andi on December 24, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    Merry Christmas, Ross! And here is hoping for a beautiful new year.

  2. Marti on December 24, 2016 at 9:54 pm

    Yes! I totally see Mr.& Mrs Santa Claus sitting on the porch roof! I’m waving back!
    What a wonderful memory and hopefully many years creating that same wonder in kids eyes!
    Merry Christmas Ross! You have opened my yes in ways you will never know!

  3. Mary Garner-Mitchell on December 24, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    Merry Christmas, Ross. You are a gift to us all!

  4. Sharol on December 24, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    Merry, Merry Christmas Ross.

  5. Sue C. on December 24, 2016 at 11:56 pm

    Thanks for all the joy you bring.

  6. Vicki on December 25, 2016 at 12:21 am

    Merry Christmas!

  7. Lea on December 25, 2016 at 4:22 am

    A joyous Christmas to you, the Cross house & your pet(s), Ross. Much love is sent daily your way across continents.

  8. Cindi M on December 25, 2016 at 6:05 am

    Merry Christmas and a blessed new year, Ross!

  9. Ruth Anne on December 25, 2016 at 7:02 am

    Thank you, Ross, for being a beacon of light for me in this time of darkness. Namaste (from a former Southern Baptist ;>).

  10. Bethany Otto on December 25, 2016 at 7:57 am

    Merry Christmas, Ross, and thank you for your faithful posts that help all us old house dreamers to live vicariously through you.

  11. californianinkansas on December 25, 2016 at 8:01 am

    Merry Christmas, Mr. Ross! Thank you for all the good you continue to do in the world. You make our world a better place.

  12. Carole Sukosd on December 25, 2016 at 9:42 am

    The Merriest of Christmas and a Restorational New Year !!
    Ross, you have blessed us with your genuine friendship and your trials of your century home. Thank you.

  13. Vicki F on December 25, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    Hope you’re having the merriest Christmas and I’m looking forward to seeing Mr. & Mrs Claus next year!

  14. Farlena on December 25, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    Merry Christmas Ross & countless Blessings in the new Year ~
    Thank You!

  15. EJ on December 25, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    Merry Christmas Ross and a very happy New Year.

  16. Penny Riedel on December 25, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    Merry Christmas Ross!???? I hoped your day has been blessed with family, friends, and much joy.

  17. tiffaney on December 25, 2016 at 7:48 pm

    I call dibs on being Mrs Claus with you, unless you already have someone!

    Merry Christmas, my friend. Thanks for keeping me entertained all year.

  18. Doug Walker on December 26, 2016 at 4:14 pm

    Why do we have to wait until you move in? I expect to see them next Christmas. I’m sure there are plenty of Clauses who would love to sit atop your porch roof.

  19. Doug Walker on December 26, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    Oh, and happy holidays my friend.

    • Ross on December 26, 2016 at 4:27 pm

      Bah. Humbug!

  20. David Paolinellie on December 27, 2016 at 6:53 am

    Seasons Cheer! Now and Thought the New Year ! ????

    • David Paolinellie on December 27, 2016 at 6:55 am

      Now…and Throughout The New Year ????.

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