When I was a kid, the week before Christmas felt interminable, while I waited eagerly for the night Santa came down the chimney with mounds of new toys for my sister and me. I always had a hard time falling asleep Christmas Eve. I remember lying awake one Christmas Eve, listening intently, and at the stroke of midnight I could have sworn I heard the sound of hooves landing on the roof.
I also remember the stage when I began to clue in about the secret behind Santa, though I wasn’t quite ready 
to let go of the magic. This was around 1980, when The Muppet Show was one of my must-see TV programs, and the one thing I really wanted for Christmas was a Kermit the Frog doll. It was the only thing I asked the mall Santa to bring me. To shore up my chances, I made sure to tell my mother what I’d asked Santa for.
Lo and behold, I found Kermit under the tree Christmas morning. (My sister got Animal, the drummer from Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem). Was it Santa who had granted my request? Was it Mom? Who could be sure?
My best friend, Jennifer, received a Kermit too. We played with our Kermits for hours and brought them everywhere with us, even to summer camp. The doll was about 14” tall and had Velcro fasteners on his feet and hands, so I could hang him or prop him up in all kinds of places. I dressed him in baby doll clothes so he didn’t have to be naked all the time.
Kermit is still with me but spends most of his time in a box now. All these years later, he’s in pretty good shape. Whenever I see him, I smile, thinking back on a time when the magic of Christmas was real. And he reminds me to enjoy the magic through my kids’ eyes for as long as it lasts.
Authors of Main Street 
We kept it going with my girls forever! I simply said for all those kids who didn’t believe in Santa – well, then their parents had to fill their stockings and bring stuff. I even made certain Santa things were wrapped in different wrapping paper! Finally I bought the book Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus. It was beautifully illustrated and I dare anyone to read it without getting teary-eyed.
Are your girls following in their mother’s footsteps and having a difficult time settling in for the night? Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas.
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Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, is a great book. It’s a classic every child should have read to them. The letter Virginia O’Hanlon wrote to the Editor of New York’s Sun newspaper, and Francis Pharcellus Church’s reply, was the most reprinted editorial in history! I find that amazing. Hoping all kids can carry that magic in their hearts.
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I’m sure they’ll be up late on Saturday.
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I think that’s awesome you still have Kermit! Lucky you, Santa had an enormous reserve that memorable year. I wonder what your girls would think of Kermit?
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They have played with him. They like the Muppet movies.
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What a fantastic memory, Susan. Thanks for sharing it. I love that you still have your Kermit and that the magic you felt then is still alive and well—-and no doubt being shared by your own children. Wonderful! Have a Merry Christmas, Susan! Hold those lovely girls tight!
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Merry Christmas, Leigh!
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