North's Christmas Calling

Simon Holly cherished everything about Christmas from a young age - caroling, cookies, spending time with family. As an adult, he was saddened to see many losing the childlike wonder of the season amidst holiday stress.

While working as an accountant, Simon volunteered as a mall Santa on weekends leading up to Christmas. Seeing children’s faces light up with excitement rekindled his own spirit. He adopted the name “North” for his Santa persona.

North decided to leave his stable career in pursuit of playing Santa full time. He grew out his beard and padded his frame to fully embrace the role of Saint Nick. North worked holiday events, parades, and of course the toy stores.

For North, embodying this symbol of generosity and cheer was a higher calling. He took time after kids’ visits to have real conversations and ask about their hopes, not just photographs and gifts. His sincerity shone through.

In his off-season, North made Santa house calls to children’s hospitals. His jolly persona comforted the infirm and granted them a taste of the most magical time of year. He listened to Christmas wishes from those who might not see the next December.

North found true purpose in these visits. Though he could not promise miracles, he reminded kids they were loved and brought the holiday spirit with him. Few dry eyes remained in those hospital rooms when North ho-ho-ho’ed down the hall.

Fulfilling his role renewed North’s childlike awe of the season. He appreciated Christmas’ message of togetherness and joy amidst cold nights. His Saint Nick was more than a red suit or white beard - it flowed from his heart.

The Christmas Eve Tragedy One snowy Christmas Eve, North was tucking in at home after a long day spreading cheer at the children’s hospital and shopping mall. He had loved playing Santa right up to Christmas, but the nonstop work had left him run down and hoarse.

As he drank hot cider and prepared gifts for his own family’s morning festivities, North began shivering despite his layers. He dismissed it as running around all day in the snow and headed to bed early to ward off any sickness.

But in the night, North took a sudden turn - the chills worsened and he grew delirious with fever just like the poor children at the hospital. By sunrise, his condition rapidly declined. His family found North unconscious Christmas morning, still in his Santa pants and suspenders.

Tragically, it was too late - North passed away from overwork and pneumonia right on Christmas. His spirit left behind a white beard and generosity that touched countless lives for the short time he had held the mantle of Santa.

The Haunting Yuletide Spirit Ever since his passing, occurrences around the holiday season have hinted North’s giving soul remains in spirit. Mall employees share stories of Santa animatronics merrily activating on their own before opening.

Patrons also report a warm presence when standing near the decorated evergreens where Santa visits take place. The scent of cinnamon mingles in the air, and some children say a friendly ghost tucks them in at night.

When the thrift shop Santa suit each year finds its way to someone who volunteers as North once did, they tell of the costume seeming to upgrade their demeanor and extend their stamina. Almost like North’s passion still inhabits the red coat.

During the holidays, no matter how cynical things may become, remember there will always be giving hearts to carry on the spirit of the season. Though North could not cheat death, his ghost perseveres - putting wonder and hope into the world through small gestures just as he did in life.

Perhaps one silent night, if you listen closely, you may hear sleigh bells faintly in the distance...Santa returning to spread a little more Christmas magic.