Santa Claus is portrayed as a jolly, happy, peaceful, caring, generous, and portly old man. He is typically shown dressed in a red suit and cap with white collars and cuffs, has a full white beard, and dons black boots and a belt. Santa Claus is said to be magical. On December 24th of each year he brings the children of the world gifts. He delivers these gifts personally to each little girl and boy with the power of flying reindeer, a sled to carry the toys, and all the magic created from the belief in him from children. I also have to mention the elves who are his helpers, since they do most of the work and make all the toys in their workshops.

For children, Santa is an excellent portrayal of the Christmas Season, as well as a true role model. The belief in such a generous and caring being is partially what the season is all about. However, as an adult we know that there really is no such thing as Santa Claus. Or is there?

Possibly in each community there is a Santa. Santa is just an example of how we should act towards one another. In Northeast Ohio, I have found a person who fits the traits and qualities of Santa Claus. Her name is Asa Cox. She grew up in a very poor household and had very little. Possibly because of her experiences, she decided at a very young age that she would help the less fortunate. Asa’s dream was simple “helping others who are in need in her community”. She never had the chance to go off to college, because of her family situation; she had to go to work right after high school. Even without opportunities that more affluent families could afford for their children, she found a way through hard work and perseverance to become successful. As she racked up accomplishment after accomplishment, she also created an all-encompassing community charity organization called “Asa’s Angels”. Where she gives back-to-school supplies for less fortunate children, donates turkeys and food for Thanksgiving, and runs a program called “Christmas for the Kids”. This charity allows a parent who is financially struggling to send in a wish list of presents for their child. Most of the children receive multiple gifts, which include electronics, gift cards, clothing, and some of most desired toys of the season. When I toured her facility for “Christmas for the Kids”, I was amazed. The gifts filled a complete building. The building was filled with thousands and thousands of toys such as: monster high girls, stuffed animals, books, transformers, bikes, doll houses, and many other desired gifts for children. When considering such an undertaking you have to realize this is about more than money. It’s time, effort, and a desire to make a difference in her community. When you take a step back and look at how her charity has touched her community, you see how such generosity and kindness can make a positive difference to a struggling family and young children, possibly even changing their path in life.

So we get back to the question is there really a Santa? I believe the answer is yes. At least there is in Northeastern Ohio and possibly in your own community. Now that I have found the current day Santa, maybe we should all strive to become more like Santa Claus. We can be a little jollier, more considerate to our neighbors, friends and family, and more generous to the less fortunate. To each and all, I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you make lasting memories this Holiday Season with your friends and family. Also I would like to wish Merry Christmas to “Asa’s Angels”. Because of their efforts, they have truly made their community a happier and better place.