trains were running everywhere . It hasn ' t holiday world , it was Santa Claus
Land . We went down there and we were in awe . When it was your turn to see the big man , he was sitting up on a stage with a big painting of a sleigh in the background , elves putting presents in the sleigh . When you turned that corner , he never took his eyes off you . He focused on you . Everyone else in the world did not exist . It was just you and Santa Claus .
I never forgot that and I never forgot how at that moment , I was the only person he cared about . I never forgot about that .
What ’ s changed over the years ?
Kids haven ' t changed much at all . Little kids are always asking for blocks and small toys . They ' ve just changed … from wooden ABC blocks and Lincoln Logs to Legos . The next children up have always
been asking for dolls and trucks . Now , it ’ s remote-controlled and the doll will talk to you and lose the bathroom . Basically … anything Santa will give is better than a pair of socks .
But what [ parents ] don ’ t hear and I don ' t repeat is the child will ask if they can tell me something quietly . They will say “ Santa , could you have my mom and dad play with me ?” The season of Christmas is not about how much you spend on your child , it ' s about how much time you spend with your child . Young children appreciate the time that you spend with them .
What does it take to be a good Santa Claus ?
I was told ... there ’ s four letters you will not find in the word “ Santa Claus ”. First is “ I ”. You are not Santa Claus . It isn ' t about you , you ' re not him . There ' s always room to improve but you ' re not him . Second is “ E-G-O ”. Check your ego at the door when you put the suit on it ' s not about you anymore . It ' s about the people that you ' re about to meet . All we are is actors . When they see him for a brief , shining moment , even as an adult , instantly you look and remember when you were a child . You see a smile on everyone ' s face . ... We in the Santa Claus world , we tell you that Santa does not start with the suit . Santa starts with the heart .
To learn more about Owens and his visits , you can head to https :// kentuckianasanta . com .
November / December 2020 43