Santas Everywhere. Literally.
The box of Santa suits arrived. My six-year-old son marveled over how many costumes there were. 24 to be exact. He tried one of the "one size fits most." It was clear he did not qualify for that category. The wrap coat, the draw string pants, and the Santa hat were adorable.
The idea is not original. New Zealand has done this for years. A Santa Shuffle. Where everyone dresses up as Santa and participates in some sort of movement. Chicago has one similar, theirs is actually a 5k or 10k race.
Ours will be in Yorkville. On December 8th at 9am. We depart from the Jewel/Osco parking lot at 9am and head to River City Roasters for cookies and hot cocoa.
The distance is one mile each way. We will walk mostly. Maybe dance a little. We will "shuffle" through town.
I bought hats with built in beards for my son and I. And we have bells to shake as we go.
Our hope is to spread holiday cheer. To laugh and have a good time with our fellow Santas.
Event proceeds go to Suicide Prevention Services. A non-profit organization that helps to prevent suicide. They offer free depression screening, counseling, support groups for people who have lost a loved one to suicide, support groups for attempters, training to learn the signs and much more. www.spsamerica.org
I hope people stop us and ask what we are doing this for. Maybe we can invite them to walk with us and learn more. It's an approachable way to talk about something that people may not want to talk about. A way to let people know there's help and people who care. An awareness event.
The holidays can be tricky and evoke emotions. We want people to know there's support. We want to spread some cheer in Yorkville.
Anyone can join us. Or come for photos at River City Roasters at 9:30. We'll have plenty of Santas. Bring your kids and come check out the fun.
I'm tickled by the thought of dressing up with my son. Both of us in our costumes, hand in hand. I invested in a santa suit that's just his size. Both with our hats and beards and bells. Shuffling along Route 47 through town. Our dear friends beside us. My family will be with us, too.
Life is about experiences. Sometimes you have to throw in a little effort to create truly positive and magical ones. I am really looking forward to this event.
Join us.
