What’s in a name?
The answer is always, “yes.”
My wife, Jill, much to her dismay, can attest to the fact that her husband is one of the biggest Grinch-like, bah humbug, anti “warm-and-fuzzy Christmas feelings” guys around.
I cringe when I hear Christmas songs in stores. “All I want for Christmas is You” – I’m not buying what you’re selling in this case, Mariah.
“The Christmas Story” marathon? I think I’d rather stick my tongue to a frozen pole or eat a dinner ruined by the Bumpus’ hounds.
Christmas cookies, well, maybe I won’t turn my nose up at any holiday-related treats.
Despite my devotion to getting through the holiday season as quickly as possible, when questions inevitably arise about my iconic last name, I can’t help but smile.
Yes, I love my last name. Having a surname associated with the North Pole’s most famous resident has been fun as long as I can remember.
It was always exciting to know The Landscape Center by Evanovich, when the business was located on South Park Road across from South Park Shops in Bethel Park, would put “Mrs. Santa bought her tree here” on their marquee after my mom, brother and I stopped in for our yearly holiday patronage.
Seeing kids I meet around this time of year, or ones that my wife teaches – she’s now a reading specialist at Bower Hill Elementary School in Peters Township – get excited by my last name is always a treat as well.
I’m always asked in those instances if Santa is real and if I know him. Let me put those answers in print, yes, and for those believers out there, I’ll be sure to get you on the nice list.
Having my last name can also be frustrating.
Try ordering a pizza around this time of year with the name of Santa. Several times a year around the holidays, members of my family get left with an empty stomach from hang-ups or pizzas that never get delivered.
To the restaurants of Washington County, it’s not a prank. There are genuinely Santas living among you, and it’s time for you to take a lesson from the many children who enjoy my last name this time of year much more than I do – just believe.
And if this issue of Living in Washington County is any indication, there are plenty of residents around the area who believe in making a difference in their communities no matter what time of year.
Gideon Bradshaw’s story about Washington & Jefferson College professor Sam Fee truly shows how much of a difference a person can make when they follow their passions. Fee makes frequent trips to the southwestern United States and documents the natural beauty of that region with his camera. His work is beautiful and inspiring.
If you’re like me, as I’ve already clearly established, getting into the holiday spirit can be challenging. Barbara Miller, however, may just have the cure for this problem. Her story about the holiday themed wax candles that are making a comeback locally may melt even the most cynical grinch’s heart.
As always, Trista and I welcome your story ideas, suggestions and feedback year-round. We can be easily reached at 724-222-2200 or by email at jsanta@observer-reporter.com or tthurston@observer-reporter.com.
Thank you for reading and happy holidays.