For years I’ve kept a secret – something Bill and I and only a few other people know. And after grooving through 2024 with all of its ups and a few of its downs I’m going to reveal it as a way to spread more holiday cheer. So here goes:
The real Santa and Mrs. Claus live right here in Lewes, Delaware.
That’s right. They stay mostly incognito by wearing everyday people clothes to stay on the down-low. But after a lot of back and forth they’ve agreed that now’s a good time to step into the limelight as their true selves.
To celebrate, I had a nice discussion with Mrs. Claus next to the fire on recent afternoon while the elves cheerfully packed gifts and sweets in the warehouse next to their home. Here’s a summary of our fun discussion:
Q. I know you travel all across the world on Christmas Eve, but what are some of your favorite things about the holiday here in our state?
One of my favorite things is driving (in our regular car) across rural areas of the state and seeing modest homes completely decked out and covered in lights. They’re like Christmas beacons propping up all over the state. One of my favorites is a house in Seaford along the Nanticoke river. You can see it from the bridge, and when you go down for a closer look you’re in the middle of a winter wonderland.
I also love all of the small town holiday events, especially the Christmas parades. The farther south you go, the more horses you’ll see. So all in all I think it’s the homey old-fashioned feel I love. I also like the way a lot of people integrate the religious aspect. Seeing nativities is lovely. We do have a firm rule at our house though – we don’t mix motifs, so we wouldn’t have Santa and the nativity both on our front lawn. But we do have beautiful nativities inside with lots of Santa stuff outside.
We also love the way our own traditions have evolved. When we were first married I only liked white lights but Santa has led me to love the colored lights now – they seem more old-fashioned. We also collect blown glass ornaments and each year we buy each other a special one that’s significant to something that happened in our lives that year.
Q. I know you and Santa don’t usually suit-up until early December, and in fact spend your days incognito as regular folks the rest of the year. But you’ve also told me you keep a running tally of things you’re grateful for. Tell me about some of those things.
We’re grateful to see how people in this country have rallied together to help communities that have been in need, like dealing with the flooding in the Carolinas. In Delaware my heart is warmed when I see the concern that many people have for the unhoused and how people are donating and trying to help those at Troop 7 and out in Georgetown. I’m glad people have opened their hearts.
Q. Your whole reason for being is to make life better for other people, and to bring heightened joy to kids this time of year. A lot of people want to feel that same spirit and make a difference in other peoples’ lives. What are some of your favorite volunteer opportunities . . . and favorite charities to donate to?
I love that question. One of the most enduring charities in Lewes is the Children’s Beach House. Santa and I made a special visit the other day during their holiday party. The Beach House is much more than a getaway for lucky kids. They do amazing work with kids dealing with speech and language issues and give them a second home year-round. They also have case managers who advocate for the kids at school throughout the year.
Because we love dogs, we also appreciate the dog rescue organizations. One of the best is Grassroots Rescue. It’s one of our favorite places to visit. We also appreciate Shepherd’s House and Code Purple Volunteers.
Q. I won’t give out your address since you and Santa like to live like regular folks but tell me a few things you like about your neighborhood near downtown Lewes. What’s the vibe like?
We love our neighborhood because secretly we have lots of open land, including woods with reindeer. It’s great for our own crew to have friends for their reindeer games. I also love the way our neighbors go so big with the lights. For awhile we were the only people with lights but now at least a quarter of the houses do. Even the part-timers decorate!
Q. What do you and Santa like to do on New Year’s Eve (besides rest)!
There’s nothing better than going down to the Overfalls and watching the ball drop. By that point we’re in regular clothes, although Santa does get recognized by his beard.
Q. What do you look forward to in the coming year? What are your best wishes for the world?
Our best wishes are to see countries stop invading one another and let us have some peace . . . we’ve had some terrible horrendous incursions around the planet and I hope we can see more peace in the new year and in our country more kindness and acceptance. We need to learn to accept that not everyone has to be the same nor should they be . . . and need to embrace the people in our community regardless of their lifestyles. As Maya Angelou says, “hate has caused a lot of problems in this world but it hasn’t solved one.”
HERE'S ANOTHER HOLIDAY SECRET! SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS ARE THE ORIGINAL CREATORS OF THE LEWES LIGHTS CELEBRATION! Visit https://www.leweslights.org/ for a map of all of the homes that are beautifully decorated for your driving tour between now and December 31st.