I live in Waikiki, right in the heart of Tourist Country. Usually, that's delightful. Everyone is happy and so glad to be here instead of "back home" where it's probably freezing/blown away by tornadoes/blistering hot. Got to admit, Hawaii does have the best climate, on average, on the planet.
This morning the tourists didn't look happy, though. The sun was not peeking through the clouds and the tradewinds were taking a break. Everyone looked glum and stressed.
Of course, it being the day before Christmas, they may have been remembering some gifts they still had to buy, and realizing that it's too late to mail them. Or maybe just dreading going home if they're from the Chicago area, totally snowed in and airports closed.
Waikiki is still pretty, though. Decorated swags festoon the shop windows and hotels display their loveliest tall Christmas trees. Princess Kaiulani Hotel has its traditional gingerbread village which is constructed fresh each year!. It's about 15 feet wide and 10 feet deep. This year, besides all the beloved buildings here in Hawaii, they've added a Japanese temple and a few other well-known edifices from around the world.
The only evidence of Santa, though, was his arrival by outrigger canoe a few days ago in front ot the Moana Hotel. None of his helpers are cluttering up the landscape.
My favorite Santa story, though, happened a few years back when I was working for the Salvation Army. Santa was delivering candy to the children at a party, and listening to the gift requests. One of my little four-year-olds whispered confidentially to me, "I don't think that's the real Santa."
Actually, it was pretty obvious to me who was inside that red suit and behind the fake whiskers, but I managed a surprised look and asked, "Oh, why is that?"
She whispered back, "He didn't say, 'ho ho ho.'"
So if you're playing Santa this year, remember that. Hold your pillow-clad belly and say a lot of "Ho ho ho's."
Merry Christmas. And may Jesus bless you real good!
