Richard and I started dating in early December 1977. By Christmas we were pretty much inseparable. One evening we were in my apartment when we heard a knock on the door. I went to peek out the peep hole as I was not expecting anyone. To my shock there stood Santa Claus. Rich asked me who it was and, embarrassed, I could only reply Santa Claus. He immediately came to see what on earth I was talking about. He peeked out and said "yeah, it's definitely Santa". Santa was standing there insisting I open the door saying he had a present for me. I was scared to death to do so because I lived alone and not many people would expect someone to be there with me. Santa begged me to open the door and the only thing I could think of to defend myself in the event this was a crazy man was a huge meat tenderizer mallet I had in the kitchen. I got the mallett and handed it to Rich who was hiding behind the door. When the door opened, Santa stuck his hand in and gave me this little wooden train then turned and disappeared. I stood there dumbfounded for a minute then realized he must have gone down the steps on the side of the building. I ran to the front, looked out and saw my best friend's husband driving away. That was probably the most memorable meeting with Santa I've ever had. Santa had no clue he was about to be pummeled with a meat tenderizer mallet. This train went on my tree that year and has been there every year for 33 years now and counting. Thanks for a fun memory Dave.
Kit: JingleBerries by Kimerick Kreations.