Rev. Michelle's Message December 4, 2025

You’re never too old for Santa….

This afternoon, the Vargas Family will be heading out to the Pacific

Grove Parade of Lights. I think I have taken Alexander to this parade

every year of his life except, perhaps, during the pandemic, and we

may have missed one other year due to rain. The Parade of Lights is

our family’s official kick-off to the holiday season. We Jelinches love

a parade. And it turns out that Paco loves parades too. We love the

fancy cars, the floats, the dancers, and especially the marching

bands. But Alexander’s very favorite part, of course, is at the end of

the parade when the jolly old man himself, Santa Claus, makes his appearance.

Each year, I wait to see if Alexander will have outgrown Santa Claus, but he never does, and I'm starting to think he never will. And so each year, when I see my now grown son yelling and waving, "Hi Santa! Hi Santa!" my eyes fill with tears because his innocence and pure heart take my breath away.

We used to have a Special Olympics Christmas party at the Moose Lodge every year. The athletes would eat and dance and have a blast, and somewhere in the middle of the dancing, Santa Claus would always show up. Now, this was not your average mall Santa. This Santa would get out on the dance floor and get his groove on before taking his place in a big chair while the athletes formed a line and waited to take a turn sitting next to him.

This amazing Santa would spend time talking with each and every person, listening to what they wanted for Christmas and giving them mini pep talks - telling them how awesome they were, to never forget that, and that they could do anything they set their minds to.

I would watch as folks with developmental disabilities, ranging in age from 5 to 55, would stand anxiously waiting their turn, so excited to talk to Santa. And I would try to hide my tears. These people never seemed to outgrow Santa. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever had the honor of witnessing.

I also remember a few years ago when Alexander waited in line after the holiday parade to see Santa. When his turn came, Alexander was very shy and didn't really know what to say to Santa. But Santa smiled and gently said to him, "Are you nervous? That's okay. Sometimes the elves get nervous around me too." Alexander liked that.

There is a Santa Claus who comes every year to Fisherman's Wharf and we always get a family picture taken with him, including our dog, Winnie. This Santa Claus is kind and patient, and he always remembers Alexander from year to year.

I swear, these sweet souls who take the time to dress up as Santa to bring joy to children of all ages-- they have no idea what they have meant to people over the years. I guess you're never too old for Santa. I love that jolly old guy. If you see a Santa around town this year, don't forget to thank them for their beautiful gift to kids of all ages.

Holiday Blessings,

Rev. Michelle