Every year at this time, I will draw a picture of the big man himself, Santa. This year I drew it as I was waiting for the Redlands Christmas Parade. As I was drawing, a family with three little girls came up and set up their viewing spot next to us. They were having a great time getting ready for the parade to begin. Time went on, and my drawing continued to advance from sketchy lines to something resembling the man himself. Finally, I finished the drawing as the last sunlight faded from the sky. Then I thought, well, why not.
I approached our neighbors and said to the girls, "If you can tell me who's picture this is, you can have it."
The parents looked at me with a bit of shock and trepidation. I smiled at them and turned the picture around.
"It's Santa!" all three exclaimed with big smiles on their tiny faces.
I smiled and nodded and handed the picture to them. Each one looked upon the drawing with pure joy on their faces. Their parents thanked me repeatedly and wished me a Merry Christmas.
Now I can't show you a picture of this year's Santa drawing, but the look on those little faces makes it my favorite one ever.