I sure pulled a fast one on my family.  (Laughter)

I have been home from Iraq for just a few days; have a little over a week left before I head back.  I wanted to surprise my family.

I found an old (gently used) Santa Claus suit (complete with hat, belt and buckle, and black, shiny boots), along with a wig and a fake beard.  Well, yesterday morning, I went to my parent's house, carrying a big pack of gifts I'd gotten them, and I knocked on the door.  When my mom answered it, she was stunned to see this Santa Claus-looking fellow standing in her doorway.

I said, "Ma'am, is this where Patricia and Edwin Hilgaard live?"  Mom managed to squeak out a hesitant "yes", her eyes all popped out in sheer surprise.  "Well, ma'am", I continued, "I have received word that you have been awfully good this year.  So, I am here to bring you a little bit of Christmas cheer!"

I then quickly removed my hat, fake beard, and moustache, and grinned really big at my mother.  My mother nearly passed out in surprise.  It's a good thing dad was there to catch her when he saw her starting to wobble; otherwise, mom would have ended up on the floor in a smooth out fainting spell.

It was not Santa at the door: it was me, their own flesh and blood, on break for two weeks of rest and relaxation with my family.  

Mom and dad started bawling.  At about this time, my younger brother, Chip, and my older sister, Cindy, who has special needs, came running when they'd heard the commotion.  Cindy started yelling happily, and Chip was bouncing all over like an overeager puppy.  

It was great!

I'd brought my family some gifts when I was on the base store at the base where I was stationed at; I got them some books, some clothes, and even some good old Iraqi sand (in small jars, of course).  I even got my sister a doll and Chip a football.  I felt just like the real Santa Claus when I saw my family tear into their gifts; I could not stop smiling, no matter how hard I tried!  Yet the best gift of all was just seeing their faces when I'd strode up to the door in my Santa suit; it was worth everything to surprise them like this!

I do know this much: my family will never forget this Christmas!  And I won't either! :)

Merry Christmas!