A Riverville Christmas Trilogy: Part 1 – Sun Burnt Santa by Marian Casillas, Ed.D.

 

A Riverville Christmas Trilogy: Part 1 – Sun Burnt Santa by Marian Casillas, Ed.D.

 

“What do you mean you saw Santa with a sunburn?” inquires Feliciana Navidad, grandmother of her daughter’s set of twins; Ello and Ella, whom she is kid-sitting at Plazita Park while their mother attends a workshop at the Culture House.

“He was wearing red shorts, a white T-shirt, red tennis shoes, white socks and a red baseball cap,” explains Ello.

“He was real big; white hair and a white beard,” elaborates Ella.

“He was laughing a lot, you know, like he was a jolly ole’ fellow,” adds Ello.

“Why would Santa be at a park in Riverville, Texas?” Grandmother Feliciana continues questioning.

“Because he’s on vacation?” ventures Ello.

“Or maybe he just wanted a change of climate, somewhere hot and sunny, to get away from the cold and snowy weather up at the North Pole?” offers Ella.

“You know, he could be checking up on all the children to see who’s being naughty or nice?” Ello adds, to keep the story going.

“He has to make sure only the good boys and girls get the presents they want,” contributes Ella.

“You kids are a hoot,” Grandmother Feliciana says as she leans back on her lounging chair. She thinks to herself: Must be all those books they read that their mother brings home from Green Valley County Library where she works.

She picks up her large print book, but is interrupted by a man’s voice.

“Hello, my name is Kris St. Nicholas; I just wanted to return your grandkids’ ball.”

Feliciana looks up and what to her surprise does she see, but a man that surely looks a lot like Santa.

“Thanks,” was all she could manage to say being caught off guard by the sight of this most dashing and debonair older gentleman.

He inquires, “Just you and the grandkids?”

“Their mother’s attending a workshop at the Culture House. I came along to look after them and have a picnic in the park. My name is Feliciana Navidad.”

He bashfully smiles, “Love your name.”

“Likewise yours,” she blushes.

 

Marian Casillas, Ed.D.