Fielder's Choice

My wife Pam reminded me one morning last week of a Christmas memory 11 years ago.

That's when our college freshman, Erin, was 7 and still receiving a pre-Christmas visit from Santa Claus.

She enjoyed sitting in his lap in our living room and going over her rather long wish list.

That Christmas, she was convinced Garrie Colhoun, former owner of Burdett's Cleaners who now works at Booker Hardware, was Santa Claus.

So, after Santa visited our house that year, Garrie and his wife Sherry decided to come over and try to convince her that he wasn't Santa.

As they left, Garrie let out a brief, "Ho, ho, ho," and Erin was still certain he was the real Santa.

"He was just here to check on his helper," she said with a slight grin after they had gotten in their car.

As usual, Erin received just about everything on her wish list that Christmas and a lot more. I'm not really sure when she finally decided that Garrie wasn't Santa Claus.

I miss the days when our children were small and getting toys and such. But at the same time, the holiday adventures created lots of wonderful memories.

Special Christmas memories stick with me, even from my own childhood.

I don't recall Santa ever visiting our house in Marion County, Ala., any earlier than Christmas Eve night.

I do remember seeing him at some local stores during the holiday shopping stages, but I don't think I ever sat on his lap.

My all-time favorite time to see Santa as a child was during the Christmas parade in my hometown of Hamilton, Ala.

I was always a little frustrated, having to wait through that entire parade before getting a view of Santa in the end, on top of the fire truck.

And back then, not everyone in the parade tossed candy to the onlookers ­ just Santa. He had one of his extra large red bags and it was filled with all sorts of candy. I always enjoyed picking up my share from the edge of the downtown street.

The Christmas Eve visit by Santa, to deliver the presents, was always highly-anticipated.

I recall waking up in the early morning hours and going to peak through the living room door so I could see if he had made his delivery yet.

I loved getting Hot Wheels and GI Joe action figures. And I was happy with any type of ball ­ basketball, baseball, football.

This year, 2020, is one, for the most part, that we all look forward to putting behind us.

We've had to wear masks, stay 6 feet apart and quarantine for months due to COVID-19

And this Christmas is certainly going to be different for most families.

Here's hoping you and your family can be together in some capacity and enjoy the season.

Let's all be thankful. Despite the trials of 2020, we're blessed.

Let's particularly be thankful that a vaccine is being delivered and distributed as quickly as possible. And let's pray we can get back to "somewhat normal" in the next few months.

Hopefully, Santa will deliver just what you want this Christmas and you can create some more special memories.

From the Burlesons, Merry Christmas!