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An Early Holiday Gift

WFTV newscaster Martha Sugalski started her Christmas decorating a little early this year…

Shh, there is a new man at my house. He is super cute, a tad bit older for me but I really like him! I probably should be quiet about it, but I am not. People may talk, I don’t care. Talk. All. You. Want. Tell me that he shouldn’t be there. Tell me that it is inappropriate. Ask me if my husband knows? What will the neighbors think? Again. I. Don’t. Care. I have been waiting all year long to see my man.

Over the months I have thought about him a lot and when I would get the chance to see him again. It is a tough relationship to have because he lives out of town and, well, he has a Mrs. Plus he is super busy so he really can only see me on the rare occasion. I have missed the twinkle in his eye, his jolly laugh, his cute round belly and his magnificent beard. And now he’s paid me an earlier visit than expected.

His white beard and red suit are on full display in our family room. Yup, Santa has arrived. I will proudly say it again. Santa is at my house. When that last bit of Halloween candy got tossed in the trash, the pumpkins were put away and sweet Jolly Old Saint Nick came out of hiding from the attic. There was no Thanksgiving cornucopias, no Pilgrims and no Mayflower.

Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t skip over Thanksgiving entirely. I still gorged myself on turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie and watched football all day long. But I did so in the comfort of a festive North Pole atmosphere.

I bought as many holiday light projectors as I could find at Home Depot so astronauts aboard the International Space Station can see my house. I am cool with that. And you know who else is cool with that? My kids, they love it. They stare in wonder at the gigantic tree as the lights shine and ornaments twinkle in their glow. They have played with the manger when I told them not to. Unfortunately, baby Jesus had to be super-glued after being dropped by some little hands. They are writing and re-writing letters to Santa. They want to make sure we have carrots for the reindeers. They are wearing their Santa footy pajamas too. I can see the joy in their little blue eyes. Oh but I do think I caught Scrooge, err I mean my hubby giving me the evil eye when I told Alexa to play Christmas music. I was unfazed and cranked it up because it makes me happy, like really happy. I even had the gingerbread candles burning.

Go ahead, judge away. But, this has been my plan all along.

As the years have gone by, Santa and his posse come out a little earlier each year. A few days has turned into weeks and this year, it was more than a full month. Guess what? It makes life a little better; certainly brighter.

When the holidays wrap up and I have to say goodbye to my man, I’ll be saddened by his departure but overjoyed because of all the extra time we got to spend together this year. Who knows, maybe he’ll return before Halloween next year and I will forego pumpkin carving and welcome him back into my arms under the mistletoe.

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s December 2017 issue.

Comments
20 Responses to “An Early Holiday Gift”
  1. Sherry geraci says:

    Proud of you Martha. Christmas is wonderful and celebrations should be as long as there are Snicker doodles to play and laugh. Here today…gone tomorrow. Keep being the amazing mom you are. My middle aged son will be with us for the first Christmas since 1981. I am over the moon. All the best to you and yours.

  2. Rick Gibbs says:

    You are in the Spirit of the Season.

  3. Deborah Abare says:

    Martha that was a super awesome story I loved it, I have read it several times that is how much I enjoyed it, I love hearing and reading about the children n I look so forward to seeing the news n I am always on fb n I look to see what u have posted what has impressed me the most is the love that your children have for the garbage men n how they give them donuts n gatorade n the love they have n how close they r with your family it just makes me so happy

  4. Marian says:

    I loved your story. It was soo cute to know that it was Santa Claus
    You were talking about.
    Have a beautiful Christmas with your
    Loving Family
    Marian

  5. Kristy Sands says:

    Oh Martha! This is just the sweetest. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  6. Michele Hawkins says:

    Great article Martha! Loved it! You are an inspiration girl!

  7. Maddi Blanken says:

    Great article, I really enjoyed it.

  8. Barbara says:

    Martha, I am right there with you. I LOVE Christmas & everything that goes with it. I love the decorations, the shopping, the crowds , lines, wrapping. Sadly, I have only one almost 16 year old grandson that no longer believes in Santa Clause but I still track Santa on norad on Christmas Eve but I get no pictures of him on Santas lap anymore.
    Enjoy every minute with the snicker doodles because when they get older it all changes….but I will always believe…
    Merry Christmas to you & your family.

  9. Rana Waldrip says:

    I am glad to see that there is someone not afraid to do what they like. I enjoy reading about you and your kids and what they do it gives me a smile on my face. You wrote from your heart and you don’t see that alot. Enjoyed reading your story. You make me feel good when there is so much going on in the world. A big Thanks to you.

  10. Ed v Silvestri says:

    very cute

  11. Stacey says:

    Just a tip about the carrots

  12. Amy miller says:

    Nice story Martha. I always enjoyed certain aspects of Christmas that just warmed my heart more than others.With young children Santa is spool special, I’m glad your husband can share you with him! Merry Christmas!

  13. Patsy Huff says:

    I don’t know how you do it, but this is wonderful. Don’t ever change, always be yourself. I love Christmas music as well and play it on the car radio 107.7 and my husband doesn’t seem to mind. We are both 87 and have all our past memories! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and your wonderful family!

  14. Robbie Russell says:

    Beautiful. Merry Christmas, prosperous BLESSINGS for the New Year

  15. Eleanor Monaco says:

    Just so adorable, loved it, Martha you have so-oooooo many talents, and now a Writer. Love watching your snicker doodles grow up, thanks for sharing. Your devoted fan – Ellie

  16. Suzie jolliff says:

    By accident i clicked on a video of your snickerdoodles a few years ago.By choice I keep coming back.They happiness you n these chuldren spread I will cherish forever.I Love this article.

  17. Tracy says:

    Christmas time is my favorite time of the year. Your articles are always heart felt and emotional. You speak from your heart and speak the truth. I always enjoy following your stories. Even though my family is diminished and my only brother and sister in law live in Maine, it’s just my mom and I. I enjoy Christmas like a small child would. My mom and I decorate and shop the stores until we can’t walk anymore. I have enjoyed the exciting and fun stories about the snickerdoodles and watching them grow so fast. I hope you and your family have a blessed and Merry Christmas.

  18. Edie says:

    The true spirit of Christmas is in your house and in your heart. It’s the giving and caring about “garb” men, those you work with, your community, and mostly the six miracles you are raising with the gift of caring and love. Thank you for the example you are to so many and for helping the next generation to share.

  19. Laurke says:

    Great story Martha. I look forward too your post with all of your children. You are an inspiration as we have spoken you have given more reasons too SMILE. Merry Christmas too you and your family

  20. Gary Taylor says:

    I think that story was great! It shows the joy that is in your heart. Our house burned down in June so as soon as Christmas trees went on sale in October my wife and I bought one and put it up. It lifted our spirits and gave us something to look forward to

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