“Santa Craig Rides Again in 2010”

Sundanceh
Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
*** HO HO HO ***

Back by popular demand, comin’ to a chimney near you…..

You better watch out – you better not cry – you better not pout – I’m tellin’ you why….. “Santa Craig is Coming to Town.” LOL:)

Whew! We just got back in this morning, after a long and cold night , flying our International Route and making deliveries in Spain, the UK, and several provinces in Canada. We had to take a layover in Owens Sound, the snow was so thick – LOL:) Maggie May.

Wow, that was a long night – how does the Big Guy go to everyone’s house all over the world in just one night? The reindeer are all just exhausted and are out back sleeping off the eggnog, LOL:)

We’re gearing up for U.S. run now and we’ll be on your doorstep before you know it….and this includes the Hawaiian Islands….Mele Kalikimaka!

You knew that radiation and chemo would not keep Santa Craig down – might slow me up, but not keep me from making my appointed rounds. And I know if you’ve been naughty or nice, so be good for goodness sakes:)

I was given a Gift this year and I’d like to sit down here by the fire with you now and tell you that story…Kerry, we need some more logs, can you use that new fangled contraption you just got and split us a few logs ? Lucky for us, you decided to keep it after all….. LOL:)


Santa Craig’s Christmas Story for 2010:


When the Christmas Card list post opened, I had politely declined this year because of cuts in pay while being on disability. I did not want folks to be sending me cards when I had nothing to offer….all of you know that I like to give what I have, when I have it…and I did not want people to wonder what was wrong with this guy?

Apparently, this did not sit so well with several members of our community. Many of you asked if I would reconsider so you could send me cards. Of course, I said that would be just fine, how can I refuse such beautiful people?

I was disappointed with Cancer at that point, because it had taken the joy away from me this year – my little Santa Craig Project is one of the few “feel good” moments that I get out of each year – I imagine the looks on your faces of surprise – then I listen carefully and wait anxiously, for the laughter in your voice, and the joy in your hearts – and then Christmas is made for me.

I love to do a little Santa Craig present inside each one of your cards. It is a universal gift, that I like to give to the folks in my life who I care about – a simple gift, but one that can touch our lives and give each one of us the exact same feelings… that kind of gift “for everyone” is very hard to find. And I was upset that this tradition would not continue this year.

But then…..when all looked lost, I got an email down here at the “South Pole” in Texas:)

“Another Angel”, out of the goodness and generosity in her heart, wanted to give me cards and postage, so I could participate in this year’s exchange. She’s says she wear horns but I don’t believe it, not anymore. Tells me her “horns are used to hold up the halo” ROFL:)

She went with a “Texas Theme” for her card choice (I agreed with her). And she also picked out the message, and even the color of the ink…all in all, she did a terrific job. She put a lot of love and caring into this and it really meant something to her and to me – she has a terrific eye and attention to detail.

I decided to tell her about the Santa Craig Project and asked her to go back in the archives and look up last year’s posts and to see the joy that was in the community for that period of time….a special time, when Cancer was not the sole topic of discussion.

I told her that “thanks to her” that I could now resurrect the Santa Craig Project this year, because of her gracious spirit – and that together we would now spread joy across the world and try to brighten everyone’s lives, and just for a sliver of a moment, we could reach out and touch our people and make them smile. And then, she can see what a grand thing she had done.

Last year, I saw people’s lives brighten, and their Cancer was temporarily forgotten in all of the joy and trying to figure out what the gift was. Attitudes were changed and this gift became a part of your holiday celebrations – it was so touching and it became a part of your Christmas, which was such a wonderful feeling.

And after that came to pass, I got another package in the mail from “Santa’s Helper.” Another generous soul on this board….she also had sent cards and stamps so that cards could be mailed to family and friends on both sides of the family…so Kim was able to participate this year as well , thanks to “Santa’s Helper.” All of our needs were met and we both thank you for the big heart that beats inside of you – your love of your community was evident in your generosity.

It seems that the Love of this Community has no end…..

I want to thank both of you ladies for everything that you did to help me. You made a Christmas for me that I was not going to have this year – I cannot express my gratitude any deeper than this post. Know that we have all worked together and will have reached our global community, in ways, that only a few weeks ago, did not seem possible.

But then again, everything is possible with this board, as I continue to find out every day that I am fortunate to be here among you all.

Everyone, please remember this – I was given a gift – which in turn allowed me to give you a gift I wanted to give – and that’s my Christmas for myself – but by me being able to give you this token of my affection – that is my Christmas gift back to these ladies – your thoughts and feelings once you receive it.

They will be watching and this year, I could not have done it alone. I’ve teamed up with several members of this community on several occasions, and it has been a sheer delight to work hand in hand with people of such enormous character and conviction.

Type in Santa Craig in the SEARCH section of our board and you can pick up some of the magic that was happenin’ this year, right about this time. It was great to see all of that joy and excitement and how people’s lives were affected on those posts – they still warm my heart and they remind me of a special time – when we were all here together – and Alive together!

Many folks who received this, are no longer with us this year – and it’s in their honor, that this tradition continues here in Semi;Colon Land. We miss them so and wish they were still here with us.

“Angel” put a lot of trust and faith in me this year and I could not let radiation and chemo treatments stop me in my tracks and disappoint her, or any of you either. Me and the elves dug deep and found the strength and inspiration to do our part and help try and make all of this happen, with a little help from our friends. We were given our 2nd Chance and wanted to make it count. After all that we’ve been through this year, this will be a welcome break for us all.

Well, the sleigh is all loaded up and I’ve got to head back out into the night – when someone calls on me, I do my best to deliver:)

And let’s include Harley in all the fun too – think I’m going to take “Santa Paws” in the sled with me on our USA flight this week – he can wiggle into places I can only dream of now…LOL:)

“On Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen, and of course Rudolph…..giddy-up….we’ve got to ride a lot of miles to collect all of these smiles…”

“And I heard him exclaim, as he rode out of sight – Merry Christmas to ALL – and to ALL, a Goodnight…..”

I wish you Peace, Calmness, and Serenity, as we close out this year. May all of your hopes and dreams come true. See you in 2011:)

HO HO HO !!!
-Santa Craig at the “TX South Pole”
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Comments

  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    Go Craig!
    Craig, this is such a great post; your gracious spirit comes through in spades. You are spreading the Christmas cheer already! I am so happy to read this post - thanks!

    ps - How many Texans know about Owen Sound? LOL
  • Fight for my love
    Fight for my love Member Posts: 1,522 Member
    What a lovely post!I just
    What a lovely post!I just came back from China,strugling with jet lag and busy with moving to another apartment and settling down.Once I have time,I will get back to you.Take care,my brother.
  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member

    What a lovely post!I just
    What a lovely post!I just came back from China,strugling with jet lag and busy with moving to another apartment and settling down.Once I have time,I will get back to you.Take care,my brother.

    dearest Santa Craig
    hohoho Santa....glad you were forced to take a little break in snowy Owen Sound.....

    with deepest love from your Canadian friends....now com'on you guys know that the North Pole is really in Canada don't you????

    I believe there is an important outpost in Texas....ahhahaha

    love and Christmas hugs

    maggie may
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    I'm having a bit of trouble reading your post....
    my heart, and my eyes are full!!!!

    And to the special santa's helpers...well, you all have earned your wings...

    Hugs, Kathi
  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    Thanks for the "Craig Post"
    Now that was a "Craig Post" if I ever read one!...lol.

    See there is a Santa even for Santa Craig!

    Glad to hear that you are feeling the spirit of Christmas...and I love your rendition of the Night Before Christmas!

    Keep up the HO HO HO!

    Hugs to you and Kim,

    Marie who loves kitties
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    Merry Christmas Santa Craig
    This is so you, Craig- love it! You have one of the warmest hearts I know! :)
    I, too, had declined to be on the Christmas card list this year- it wasn't that I didn't want to communicate with everyone, it's just that I'm feeling overwhelmed with things going on that I just don't know how I'm even going to get my "regular" cards done and out this year.
    I'm glad some "angels" have spurred you on and even helped to provide the cards and postage for you to do this thing that you love. :)

    Maybe I will be spurred on to get the cards out afterall, but please do not feel slighted anyone, if I don't get cards out to you all. I love you all and cherish this board- Merry Christmas!!

    Lisa
  • bruins1971
    bruins1971 Member Posts: 227
    White Christmas in Texas
    Actually the color should be red for the love that you bring to this board. I know I'm knew to this place but I'm so happy to of found it and to find people like yourself. Christmas is all about paying it forward and helping others even if only to make someone smile and forget about the cancer for a moment. From one Texan to another you're a good man Charlie Brown.

    Bobby in Dallas
  • khl8
    khl8 Member Posts: 807

    White Christmas in Texas
    Actually the color should be red for the love that you bring to this board. I know I'm knew to this place but I'm so happy to of found it and to find people like yourself. Christmas is all about paying it forward and helping others even if only to make someone smile and forget about the cancer for a moment. From one Texan to another you're a good man Charlie Brown.

    Bobby in Dallas

    Merry Christmas Dear Santa
    Merry Christmas Dear Santa Craig, Merry Christmas!


    Hugs,
    Kathy
  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    Santa Craig, you had me

    Santa Craig, you had me smiling from start to finish! Such a wonderful, heartfelt posting. Merry Christmas my friend! Cynthia
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    Love to see you smile
    Craig,

    You made me smile with this post, not because of the gift coming our way (although that will be appreciated). It's your happiness that makes me smile!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    The chimney
    Well, I spent the day yesterday cleaning out the ole' wood burning fireplace. Used the oven cleaner on the glass hmmm, what is that thing called? Well, the glass piece that you close while the fire is burning. Wanted to make sure Santa Craig could see his way into the house. LOL. You go man.
    Winter Marie
  • Lori-S
    Lori-S Member Posts: 1,277 Member

    The chimney
    Well, I spent the day yesterday cleaning out the ole' wood burning fireplace. Used the oven cleaner on the glass hmmm, what is that thing called? Well, the glass piece that you close while the fire is burning. Wanted to make sure Santa Craig could see his way into the house. LOL. You go man.
    Winter Marie

    Hey Craig
    Love ya man!!!!!!! and Santa's little helpers too. Happiest of holidays to all
  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    Lori-S said:

    Hey Craig
    Love ya man!!!!!!! and Santa's little helpers too. Happiest of holidays to all

    Hey Santa, what a great post, what a great present!
    Merry Christmas Santa ,Merry Christmas!.
    Hugs ( the three Kings of Orient ).HoHoHo....
  • Kenny H.
    Kenny H. Member Posts: 502 Member
    pepebcn said:

    Hey Santa, what a great post, what a great present!
    Merry Christmas Santa ,Merry Christmas!.
    Hugs ( the three Kings of Orient ).HoHoHo....

    That was so cool
    That was so cool Craig.
    Speaking of Texas, where abouts you at? Im down here at the end of the map in Corpus Christi. The weather is nice.
  • SueRelays
    SueRelays Member Posts: 485
    Hey Santa Craig!!
    Wishing

    Hey Santa Craig!!

    Wishing for so many blessings for you in 2011!!
    MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS and as always, THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!!!!
  • xmomtofourx
    xmomtofourx Member Posts: 44
    SueRelays said:

    Hey Santa Craig!!
    Wishing

    Hey Santa Craig!!

    Wishing for so many blessings for you in 2011!!
    MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS and as always, THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!!!!

    What a beautiful post.

    What a beautiful post.
  • sfan428
    sfan428 Member Posts: 32 Member
    This is one of the most
    This is one of the most uplifting and endearing posts I have had the pleasure of reading. Truely goes to the heart of the season. Thanks Craig, I was having a pretty difficult time finding much to be joyous about this year, but this made me smile. I dont post much, but simply reading everyone elses posts has been a blessing. Happy Holidays everyone.

    Shane
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Awesome
    Thanks for the awesome post and glad that your santa's helpers were so great to you. You are such an uplifting person. After all you have gone through, you still manage to put everyone first. You're amazing.

    Hugs! Kim
  • LOUSWIFT
    LOUSWIFT Member Posts: 371 Member
    Santa Craig
    I called the TSA for your sleigh flight Christmas I still have some contacts with the FEDs. Don't worry about the radiation from the naked body scan they won't do that on you. However they seems to be a lot of female TSA people who want to get their hands on you... not to search they all just want to hug you! Sorry did my best! Great post Lou
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    LOUSWIFT said:

    Santa Craig
    I called the TSA for your sleigh flight Christmas I still have some contacts with the FEDs. Don't worry about the radiation from the naked body scan they won't do that on you. However they seems to be a lot of female TSA people who want to get their hands on you... not to search they all just want to hug you! Sorry did my best! Great post Lou

    Every Santa's Fantasy...
    ...always wanted 2 women at the same time, LOL:)

    But HUGS are a fella's next best friend...I'm delivering in the States this week so I'll be on the lookout for any and all comers:)

    Thanks, Lou!

    -Santa Craig