I recently found out the local Chamber of Commerce is putting together a Santa Claus Christmas Parade scheduled for December 8 at 12 noon to start at the Sooke Elementary School and heading west to Shields Rd. Good news indeed.
It brings back some “home sweet home” memories for me, being up on my father’s shoulders, candy cane in hand, with a shortness of breath and excited anticipation of his arrival. I watched in amazement as each passing float, bands with majorettes, cowboys, horses, fire trucks and Santa. There he was… in all his red and white glory. As most little boys and girls, Santa was my first super hero. “He might still be”… he says in an excited voice.
No one could come close to this old man with his ho, ho, ho magic or his powerful jelly belly and everyone around me was beyond excited. I realized I was not alone. They loved him too. He was bringing happiness to everyone around us. The cheering, the waving… It was a wonderland indeed.
Well, it’s now years later (much later) and still it excites me. Christmas! What a wonderful time of year, especially in a small community like our Sooke. And, with all of our local businesses and organizations participating, giving back in an abundance of lights and goodwill, it’s what our hearts need in this very busy world we live in.
From time to time, I’ve considered living elsewhere but each and every time, I realized that home is where the heart is — Sooke.
Oh ya… the road will be shut down for a few hours. Live with it.
Ho, Ho, Ho. Merry Christmas to all.
Kel Phair
Sooke