Santa

For a long time, David joked about how being Santa would be his "retirement plan." Well, it may not have progressed that far yet, but he has become Santa, at least for a little while each year.

He finally bought his first Santa suit in 2005 and took the role in several settings: First in a pre-school at the Springfield United Methodist Church. Next, at the Teen Christmas Party for the Northern Virginia Church of Christ. Again, at the "Miracle on 23rd Street," the annual Christmas Tree Lighting for SOC Enterprises in Arlington, where David serves on the Board of Directors. Then, Arlington Fire Station No 5 toured him as Santa around the neighborhoods of South Arlington on Dec 23rd. Finally, Santa took his first annual motorcycle ride around Springfield Mall -- to the delight of camera phones galore.

Santa's Calendar

David's white beard regularly gets him looks from kids who think he looks like Santa Claus, so in 2005, he took the plunge and bought the whole outfit. Below are some of events he typically participates in.

Dec	Miracle on 23rd Street Every year, SOC Enterprises, a non-profit which provides work opportunities for folks who are physically handicapped, host a Christmas Tree lighting and visit with Santa for the neighborhood around their headquarters building on 23rd St, Arlington, VA
Dec	Arlington Co Fire Dept, Station 5 I join with the firefighters from this station and cruise around the neighborhoods of South Arlington Co, Virginia, from Pentagon City down to Glebe Rd, west of Rt 1
Dec	Andrews Air Force Base Since 2005, I've represented Santa at an annual party for children on the base, many whose parents are deployed around the world
Dec 24	Santa's motorcycle ride around Springfield / Burke Santa takes his annual ride around the neightborhoods of Springfield and Burke, Virginia -- weather permitting.
Dec 25	Santa at the Hospital Every Christmas morning I visit mothers and their new born babies who are "stuck" in the hospital on Christmas Day. Lots of great photos from this visit

There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.

Erma Bombeck (I Lost Everything in the Post-Natal Depression)

Christmas is the one time of year when people of all religions come together to worship Jesus Christ.

Bart Simpson

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.

Francis Pharcellus Church, New York Sun, 1897

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

Hamilton Wright Mabie

David P & Linda E Himes