Christmas in July

We have all heard the phrase "Christmas in July" and July 25th has long been viewed as the date that marks the 'five months to go before Christmas deadline". With thoughts whirling about our heads about how to save on gas purchases, stay clear of suspected salmonella laden vegetables and have enough money to purchase the necessities of life, many of us have not even considered that Christmas is around the bend. Visions of sugar plums are hardly being envisioned in the deeper recesses of our mind. Those who have begun secreting away their early Christmas bargains are probably becoming few and far between as we tread the fragile economic stairs to frugality. Christmas lists and "to do" lists have not yet appeared except in the very resilient and persistent of us. Despite the bleak economic picture and its accompanying woes, there is Christmas cheer!

On Monday, July 21, 2008, the annual World Santa Claus Congress convened in Copenhagen, Denmark. The familiar red attired Santas are meeting for the 51st year in an amusement park in Bakken park which is north of Copenhagen. The three day convention opened with nearly 140 St Nicholas characters in attendance. While it is reported that most of the Santas were from Scandinavia, some participants hailed from Japan, the United States and Russia. After all, Santa Clauses know no geographic boundaries and time and space are no barriers. Not to be outdone by the jolly Santas, all of the Mrs Clauses along with the elves merrily paraded through the park singing Christmas carols complete with a "ho-ho" here and there. Other listed activities included bicycles being ridden in the parade and "yula-hoop" twirls were performed --whatever that may be. The brave and hardy braved a swim in the famous harbor of Copenhagen.

Judging from the activities listed, the Santa Claus characters would do well do be in top physical condition. An obstacle course was held where the Santas had to negotiate past a sleigh and climb a hill made of ice and then descend a fake chimney. The winners of that contest certainly are not among the faint of heart! Indeed such an activity probably serves to keep the Santas from developing a paunch that might restrict one's ability to slide effortlessly through chimneys.

One might wonder what kind of topics are discussed at these Santa Claus conventions. Fred Rootveld, a Dutch Santa Claus, states that the jolly faced, red attired Santas discuss important topics on how to deliver gifts to houses that do not have chimneys and other weighty matters. The whimsical discussions
add an air of frivolity to the convention.

On a tender and compassionate note, the Santas plan a trip to a children's hospital to spread their special brand of cheer. We can imagine the excitement and joy the children experience as they interact with the Santas in July. Also on the agenda is a sightseeing cruise highlighting Copenhagen's attractions. We wish the Santas and Mrs Santas a productive and joyful time at their convention. May the Christmas spirit abound during this 51st world Santa Claus Congress and may they bring back cheer to their homelands. Merry Christmas to one and all!