12/08/2025
The suit and sleigh have taken Santa on many adventures—some good, some bad, and some truly phenomenal.
Fifteen years ago, I began a little side quest at a local agency. There, I found myself able to help people more directly than I ever could at the North Pole.
That’s where I met Mary. A huge Wizard of Oz fan, she had an energy that lit up any room. Even in the darkest moments, Mary’s smile could turn everything around. More than once, when I was feeling low, she lifted me up with her kindness and joy.
Sadly, illness took Mary not long after I started at the agency. I still think of her often—especially on hard days.
But fate has a funny way of nudging destiny. A few weeks ago, I received an email from someone with the exact same name as Mary. I looked at Mrs. Claus and said, “This has to be a scam.”
But after one phone call, I learned she was actually Mary’s sister-in-law.
Tonight, I visited their home. As I sat with the family—surrounded by joy, love, and laughter—I felt Mary’s presence beside me.
As I was leaving, I spoke briefly with her brother. We reminisced for a moment, and I could barely get the words out: “She’s with Dorothy over the rainbow now.” Then I stepped outside, looked up at the sky, and whispered, “Thank you, Mary.”
This holiday season, take a moment. Allow yourself to feel the presence of your own “Mary”—whoever that may be. Even if they’re no longer here, the love and memories they gave us remain forever.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
—Santa 🎅❤️