The Santa Story

There are grown men, all over America right now, thinking about Christmas. Why? Because they are literally grooming themselves for November, in hopes of being St. Nikolas. Think about it. How many different "Santas" are there in America? There are thousands of shopping malls, and each is staffed with at least one Santa-man. How many more are waiting in the wings--aspiring to be Santa next Christmas? They may be paying their dues ringing the bell for the Salvation Army--hoping for their big break, or they might be dressing up for their grandkids, daring only to dream of a much larger audience one day. And what of the black Santa? The African-American man who has this same dream, but many more obstacles to overcome. One thing all these "Santas" have in common is the commitment to their facial hair. Certainly, prospective employers won't even look at you sideways if you don't have your mutton chops. Think of the years of growing, grooming, and lengthening--of the summers spent in full beard, dreaming of that big break. Take me for example, today I have a beard. I am not committed to it at all--I think of myself as a clean shaven guy, but every 18 to 24 months, I get lazy and grow a beard. Any day I feel like it, I shave it off and go back to my normal life. But these guys have to BECOME bearded guys--and when you grow a beard your first couple of times, ladies, it itches! I say this to help each of you understand the commitment these men are making. A sacrifice they are making for you and for me, for our children, and for our children's children. So the next time you happen upon a man who is a little more grizzly than suits your tastes, ask yourself, is this a future Santa in my midst? Why not take a moment to pat that man on the back, or shake his hand, tickle his whiskers, and thank him for his service to your country!