Another Season

Our first gig is next Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, to light the Tree in Princeton again. We are so glad that they appreciate my Santa; I know he loves to do it. It is a bit of a trek for us, but worth it. I love to see the faces of the people in the crowd as they experience the joy of the season - the 'noise' is happier once the ceremony is complete. For a brief moment, there is more civility. The next day, everything goes back to normal.

We make adaptations because of this season and my Santa's gig. For instance, since he had off from his regular job, we had our Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. We did the whole bit - all that was missing were the parades on TV. This gives us the real Thanksgiving day to pack up and get ready for Princeton, and reduces the stress in case he has to work.

We do not exchange Christmas gifts with each other. Not that we do not feel the spirit, but when we need or want something, we save up for it and buy it when it is on sale. Besides, I hate surprises! So that saves us shopping anxiety for Black Friday as well as the entire Christmas shopping season.

We work up a grid each year now, so we do not wear the same costume two years in a row to our repeat customers, unless they request it. The grid also tells us if we have received the contract back yet, the address for the gig and any other pertinent data. It has become invaluable.

There is a whole coordination of planning each year and it does not get any easier, just more recognition as to what to expect.