Why a Website about Santa Claus?

People often ask me "why of all things a website about Santa Claus"? Well, the answer is: I have actually seen him! He visited me. Let me tell you about it.

It happened when I was about four or five years old. In our room we waited for Christmas Eve to come. Suddenly, someone banged against the door. It opened and Santa Claus stepped into the room. I cannot remember what he said. His deep voice and his impressive appearance made us hide behind our grandmother and watch things from a safe distance. So, Santa Claus was there! He really existed! Other things happened which made sure Santa Claus become a real part of my world. The following year good old Santa did not come to our children's room anymore. He must have been in a hurry for he only banged against the door and when we opened it, all we could find was a big bag with presents. We ran into the living room to look out of the window and, indeed, a man dressed in thick clothes got into a car - a West German car! In the late sixties, West German Cars were not a common sight in Dresden, but since Santa Claus was someone really special to us it seemed to be just right that he owned a West German car. Our picture of Santa Claus rounded off more and more and there were absolutely no doubts about his existence. The following years, we didn't see him anymore. The bags with presents dropped in front of the door were the only evidence of his existence. Facing the truth usually is a cruel experience. I was now nine years old, a third grade student who - now, please don't laugh - still believed in the existence of Santa Claus. I remember one art lesson, the teacher had just left the room, when an argument about the existence of Santa Claus started. I took Santa's side whereas my friend Mario knew better and claimed that there was neither a Santa Claus nor an Easter bunny. It was a lively argument we had. At this moment our teacher came back and it was his to decide. I still remember his "nonsense, there is no such thing as a Santa Claus". Not only did I look like a fool, a whole world broke down for me. When I told my mother about it she explained to me that it was our neighbour, Mrs Möller, who dressed up as Santa Claus and that it was my dad who banged against the door. As for the story with the West German car, there was a not in the least mysterious explanation: It so happened that one of the families in our house had some visitors from former West Germany and it was merely by coincidence that the bag with presents was dropped in front of the door only a few minutes before we saw that person getting into the car. That is how legends come into being. I grew up and now have children myself. I still feel much obliged to Santa Claus and that's why I started to play his character. Equipped with a red coat, a beard, my pockets full of candy, and some Christmas poems and carols in my head - for children will sometimes challenge Santa Claus - I gave Christmas presents to the kids of our primary school and also to the children of our friends. It really is a tough job - out of the cold you step into rooms which are badly overheated. Your field of vision is limited due to steamed up glasses, the hood, and the terribly scratchy and fluffy beard. And on top of all, the heavy bag is really unhandy and it also weighs you down. But then there is the giving of Christmas presents - with candles shining on the Christmas tree, the sound of Christmas carols, the wheeling of a Christmas pyramid. You may call this kitsch, but it is a moment where the world stops for a short moment - it is Christmas Eve. As Santa Claus you are part of this enchanting moment. You ask children, parents, and grandparents for Christmas carols and poems, and you give them presents. It is always a great experience. Back on the road, everybody says hello, children tell you about their wishes, asking when you will come to their homes. The most important thing in this moment is to have some candy at hand - Santa Claus is there for everybody and he must not disappoint anyone. Unfortunately, time is up for Santa Claus on December 25. Hardly anyone shows an interest in him anymore. For Santa it means waiting for next Christmas to come. And you can shorten this time of waiting on the website of www.santaclaus.de.