When Santa wore fruit boots
Written by Grandma Beanie
Don Schmitz & Grandkidsandme


I grew up in a large family, seven to be exact. When my youngest sister was born I was a senior in high school. For years the older siblings went to great lengths to uphold the mystic of Santa Claus for our younger siblings and the first of the grandchildren. Being home for the Holidays was a special time; some of us home from college, others from jobs across the county and a few of us with our own children. There was a lot of hussle-bussle amidst the traditions, cooking, baking and sneaking off to wrap gifts from Santa then scramble to get everyone dressed and to church on time. 

The most fun the big kids was getting Santa dressed for his highly anticipated appearance. Mom had years ago invested in a beautiful red velvet Santa costume with an authentic looking beard, hat and big black belt. The boots were a different story. They were an old pair of Dad's black rubber goulashes spray painted white with a number of ugly gold glittery balls attached. But if boots could make you laugh, these were it.

Brother, Tom had the best "Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas" and was commandeered year after year to wear the red suit. The rest of us were more than willing to help him get dressed for his grand appearance; lots of blush for rosy cheeks and powder to hide any escaping strands of red hair. We would load up his sack with gifts, no mercy given for he was a big strong guy.

Finally it was time to put on the last finishing touch, the fruit boots, as we fondly referred to them. We were immediately given to fits of laughter at the sight of Santa in his "Fruit Boots". 

Today, I am reminded of how the simplest things can provide unexpected joy.

Don Schmitz is a popular speaker and writer on parenting and grandparenting. He is the author of The New Face of Grandparenting…Why Parents Need Their Own Parents and founder of The Grandkidsandme Foundation and Grandparent Camps. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration and Human Development. He is the father to three sons and nine grandchildren. Contact Don@grandkidsandme.com