Flaming clouds in the sky this morning as I set out across the city for school. I enjoy this drive. I've mentioned it before. And like all the things I love it will be repeated again and again.
Heading south through Lincoln Heights, across the Broadway Bridge.
Through Chinatown.
Past this giant holiday sidewalk shrine of La Virgen de Guadalupe.
Then arriving at school to kiddos whose mothers tucked them into suits and dresses for the Christmas program.
And other kids who came as they are. Bouncing packages of enthusiasm.
Our official Postman. It is his job to put the big envelope addressed to Santa in the mailbox on the corner tomorrow after school. He didn't believe me when I said I'd mail it. The rest of the class falls for everything I say hook, line, and sinker. Not him.
"Santa is just your parents."
"Well sure, there are plenty of fake Santas, but there IS a real one."
"How does he get into our houses?"
"Magic keys."
"How does he deliver all the presents?"
"He makes all the time stop in the whole world then he starts it again when he's done."
"How can he make all the toys?"
"Elves."
"What about electronics?"
"Easy, he contracts those out from China, Korea, and Japan."
"Will he really read all the letters from ALL the kids?"
"Letters are his favorite thing. They make him really really happy."
"But will he bring us what we say in the letter?"
"He tries really hard and he wants to, but he can't always."
"How does he know us?"
"He knows lots of stuff."
"Does he know that my mom died."
"Yep"
"Are Santa and God brothers?"
"Maybe, I'm not sure. They might be cousins."
"Do you got the address for where my mom's at?"
"Heaven?"
"Yeah. Do you got that address?"
"Yep."
The story and sentiment holds up all these two years.
Happy Holidays.
Best holiday-themed blog post title EVER.
that is surely the best question i have heard yet~as a tear rolls down my big fat texas cheek~~~
I was at a loss for how to express how your postman story made me feel. Judy Wise said it perfectly. And Ginny got it right on also when she said it was the best Christmas tale.
Thank you, Mary Ann, for a glimpse of your LA.
Mary Ann- what a sweet dialog with that young man. It brought tears to my eyes, reminding me how fragile we are, once again…and as always your views of the city, fantastic, journal page, fantastic.
awww; “feel good” but all kinds of sad rolled into one.
What sweet dialog with the postman! Heart-melting for sure.
Oh!
Oh Mary Ann, I just loved reading that conversation, it put a smile in my heart. I love the way you handled his questions – he’ll probably grow up to be an inventor or something successful because he questions things.
I just found your blog a while ago–I think you stopped by mine. Yours is a feast for the eyes. Love it. And I can so relate to the little tale above. Oooh the skeptics. Those little heartbroken skeptics. I have them too; in fact I’ve had the same conversation.
Anyhow–I’ve made you a regular stop & some day I want you to post a step by step for how to make the gorgeous stencil portraits that you do–I want to try it!!
Thanks for sharing “your kids” with us they are great. You forget these thoughts and questions when you get older and it’s nice to be reminded this time of year. I love the Guadalupe shrine very cool! The bigger and tackier the better I think. 🙂
makes my heart melt…
Those kiddos have a great teacher!! 🙂
Oh this is the best Christmas tale. Thank you for sharing your wonderful kids with us. You must be one heck of a teacher, dear Mary Ann.
I asked my 5 year old grandson wht he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas. he says he has to whisper it. So, he whispers in my ear “Presents!”. Love the little ones, yep I do.
Love this post. Christmas and kids… aren’t they perfect for each other?
There are tears in my eyes. Bless you. Suzanne.
I’m not sure if Santa and God are cousins but I’m pretty sure Mary Ann and God are. Love you, sister. Amen.
Really beautiful. The whole thing.
melting, smiling, loving these visits to M. A. and the posse – mmmmmmmmmmmmm
could I do 2nd grade again with you M. A.?
its been awhile… well…
time for my nightly dreams…
wonder who will show up – God? Santa?
xox – eb.
Those lines of dialog made my heart melt. I think that’s how to describe that feeling.