Page 5 of Kit
Colin went ahead of me, peering around the corner at the bar and dance floor. “Mr. Winterbourne himself is going to announce your entrance.”
“Really? I didn’t realize.”
Colin made a hand motion to someone out in the bar. The industrial carols didn’t stop playing but the sound lowered to a whisper.
“Sorry to interrupt all your fun out there.” It was Mr. Winterbourne’s voice over the club sound system. “But this is a Christmas party, and it wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa.”
Cheering followed.
“I’m sure you all will give him a big welcome after such a long sleigh flight straight from the North Pole. He’s here to spread thecheer and listen to your Christmas wishes. Won’t you give a big welcome to Santa Claus!”
A roar of applause nearly shook the rafters. Colin beckoned to me.
When I came around the corner, I saw a pathway laid out for me through the crowd all the way to the stage.
I hadn’t seen all the decorations beforehand. The club had gone all out. A huge glittering tree towered to one side, all lit up with sparkling lights. Light strings ran along the bar. And before me was a glimmering path created by temporary partitions with velvet ropes.
I let out a hearty “Ho ho ho” and slung my red sack over my shoulder, walking down the path toward the stage.
“Merry Christmas!” I yelled over and over, making sure to face both sides of the path and let the audience know I saw them.
I reached into my pocket with my free hand and grabbed fistfuls of glitter which I threw into the air.
They welcomed me with an outpouring of excitement, applauding with celebratory yells. No one stopped being a kid at Christmas. I saw all shapes and sizes out there, all modes of dress. Littles and boys jumped up and down shouting, “Santa! Santa!”
I stepped up onto the stage where Mr. Winterbourne, in his flashy designer suit and looking perfect as ever, waved me over.
“It is my pleasure to introduce Santa Claus. Welcome, Santa, to Club 99’s seventh annual Christmas party,” he said. Then stepped back beside the fancy throne where I was to sit for the next two hours and let me have the mike.
I had my short speech prepared. I’d written it myself and it was approved by Mr. Winterbourne.
“Ho ho ho, everyone, and Merry Christmas! I just flew in from the North Pole where the weather is cold, but the elves are hot and naughty. Daily spankings help keep them in order.” Iwaved my hand through the air in a spanking motion which got me the laughs I desired.
My writing might not be the best, but I knew how to deliver. The audience immediately got into it, hooting and hollering to spur me on.
“Did you bring any of those hot elves with you?” someone shouted.
I shook my head. “They are too busy making toys for play right now. Only three more weeks until Christmas.”
“Boooo.”
Tough crowd.
“Looks like a hot crowd tonight,” I added. “I can tell Santa’s naughty list will expand after tonight.”
Laughter.
“Have you all been good? Are your letters to Santa in the mail? No matter what, Santa knows. He knows everything and has come to wish you all the best holiday season ever. I’ll be taking requests up here if you’d like to tell me your wishes face to face. I’ve got gifts in my bag and time to see you all. There’s a photographer here if you want a photo.”
More applause.
I turned to see Mr. Winterbourne nodding, happy with my performance.
“Your throne, sir,” he said.
I set my pack on the floor beside the elaborate chair and sat. The velvet cushion was soft as a cloud. The chair back rose two feet above my head. My fake Santa tummy bump sat properly against my upper thighs. For tonight, I was the king.
People immediately came down the path and started to line up to sit in my lap. I thought the lineup would consist of littles and boys, but every type of guy stood before me in all manners of costume. Old and young. Big and little. Leather or lace, they all loved Santa and wanted their pictures taken.
