As the final float of the parade, I had plenty of time to change into my suit and get accustomed to wearing a microphone.
Traveling down the street, I waved and shouted at the viewers along the way.
I have seen parades before, both in person and on television. In my past life I walked in my hometown parade for the holidays, but this would be my first time to ever participate in one so large.
I also remember why this situation felt familiar. A film I enjoyed watching in my past life: Miracle On 34th Street. To participate in the "plot" is exhilarating and a complete coincidence. Originally I came to New York to visit.
Three years have passed since I took up the mantle of Santa Claus.
On occasion I would leave the North Pole to visit several major cities. Mostly to get familiar with the cities and to relax. This time it was going to be a quick trip to the Big Apple, but I have a feeling I am going to need to extend my stay.
After the parade ended, a man arrived, general manager of Cole's department store, to ask if I was willing to continue to be their store Santa. Remembering how the film went, I agreed to be employed till December 24th.
After saying goodbye I left to find temporary accommodation within the city. I could commute from the North Pole to New York using either the reindeer or the Polar Express, but I decided that it would be nice to stay within the city.
Next Day
I arrived at the Cole's store before opening. Carrying my suit inside a garment bag.
Security allowed me inside and upon entering I was impressed.
The store was decorated with various Christmas trees and other decorations. Lights and tinsel lined up the walls and celling. A toy train ran along the railing of the second floor. Behind the service desk was a large single chair.
Santa's chair... my chair.
Walking into the employee room the general manager introduced me to my help/elves and handed me several documents to sign.
He also mentioned the deals available within the store. Bidding him farewell I changed into my suit and prepared for my first day.
Time to see the life of a mall Santa Claus.
Two hours later the store opened and multiple families entered. A line of children formed immediately. Taking a deep breath I signal for the first child.
"Hi Santa!"
"Why hello what is your name"
"John!"
"Hello John and what would you like for Christmas?"
"A hotwheels set! The one with the green car!"
"O? is green your favorite color?"
"It is"
"Well... if you were a good boy this year I am sure you will get your hotwheels set"
"Yes! O thank you Santa!"
"It is no problem John. Have a Merry Christmas!"
As each kid came up, I would hear their wishes and talk with them for two minutes before the next kid. As time passed more families entered the store, with the kids joining the line to talk with me.
Most of their requests where easy to grant, but then I ran into a problem.
"What is your name young one"
"Jacob"
"And what can I get for you Jacob?"
"A Howling Commando motorcycle!"
"O? you know about the Howling Commandos?"
"Yup! from the T.V. show! The Howling Commandos is the code name for America's daring highly train special mission force. It's purpose: to defend human freedom against Hydra, a ruthless organization determined to rule the world! They are real American Heroes!"
*CLAP CLAP CLAP "That is a good memory you have. As for your wish as long as you have been a good boy this year, you shall have your Commando motorcycle!"
Before young Jacob could respond, his mother walked up to whisper in my ear.
"Excuse me... Santa... can I have a word with you"
"Of course Ma'am. Goodbye for now Jacob"
"Bye Santa!"
"Thank you for talking with my son, but please don't give him any ideas. That motorcycle costs $16 here at Cole's and it doesn't even come with batteries."
"umm... that is a problem..."
As a child when you ask for one gift and get something else, it can be a disappointing feeling, but as an adult I understood.
There are times when there was no money to spend on the desired gift.
But sometimes its just a matter of having the right information.
"Toys "R" Us has the motorcycle for $12, which includes batteries."
"...What? Toys "R" Us?"
"Yes, do you need directions?"
"No...No, I was just confused. Since when is Cole's send customers someplace else?"
"I don't think it matters where the toy is sold as long as it makes the children happy. I'm sure the people in this store believe exactly the same as I do."
"Huh... Well... Thank you."
"No problem. Merry Christmas"
"... Merry Christmas"