Simon, you might be the one and only writer I read whose words smile (like you do) throughout the piece! I bet you can’t even write a piece that’s not uplifting! Please don’t waste your time trying 😊.
Simon, your storytelling is just top notch. What is most delicious about this whole account is the depth of tact, wisdom, and character shown by this girl. She didn't call you a liar, she didn't ruin the experience, for herself or for you, instead she selected a handful of carefully chosen words formed around an astute observation to set everything right between you and her while maintaining your relationship. From the mouths of babes. Truly profound.
Thank so much Rick! You’re so right about Taryn. She’s the star here and she found a way to reconcile her observation without ruining anything for herself or others.
Enjoyed this one. Def should repost this around the holidays. One of the things I appreciated the most about this is there can be some let down when kids figure it out about Santa, especially if they learn or have it confirmed by an older sibling, or are made fun of for believing in the first place. Hearing how this girl put the pieces together somehow seemed so much more peaceful. I’d wish that story for every child.
Thanks Matt! I think there’s maybe a difference between working out the Santa you’re meeting in person isn’t the real deal and figuring out there is no real deal.
…it is amazing how even in youth we hide some future version of ourself…imagine who this inquisitor becomes…another skeptic in a world of believers…maybe we finally find sasquatch…
Delightful story, Simon. And I agree with some of the other comments here: Taryn is incredibly mature and insightful for a wee little gal.
And I really liked the ending. "Santa has the same hands as you." And off she went to play with the others. It reminds me of a point you made awhile ago about letting the story *show* the perspective; there's no need to over-explain when the details and goings-on speak for themselves. (Thanks to your input, I cut some unnecessary fat out of my last essay.) This is a great example.
Simon, you might be the one and only writer I read whose words smile (like you do) throughout the piece! I bet you can’t even write a piece that’s not uplifting! Please don’t waste your time trying 😊.
Yes always a treat to read a Simon piece
Thanks Chao!
Thanks James! You just made me smile with your kind words 😃
A beautiful story, told in the charming way that has become Simon's stamp.
Loved it.
Yes! Simon’s stamp! So true!
Thanks Claire! I think you were right about the intro.
Simon, your storytelling is just top notch. What is most delicious about this whole account is the depth of tact, wisdom, and character shown by this girl. She didn't call you a liar, she didn't ruin the experience, for herself or for you, instead she selected a handful of carefully chosen words formed around an astute observation to set everything right between you and her while maintaining your relationship. From the mouths of babes. Truly profound.
Thank so much Rick! You’re so right about Taryn. She’s the star here and she found a way to reconcile her observation without ruining anything for herself or others.
Enjoyed this one. Def should repost this around the holidays. One of the things I appreciated the most about this is there can be some let down when kids figure it out about Santa, especially if they learn or have it confirmed by an older sibling, or are made fun of for believing in the first place. Hearing how this girl put the pieces together somehow seemed so much more peaceful. I’d wish that story for every child.
Thanks Matt! I think there’s maybe a difference between working out the Santa you’re meeting in person isn’t the real deal and figuring out there is no real deal.
For sure, great point. Big difference I’d say.
…it is amazing how even in youth we hide some future version of ourself…imagine who this inquisitor becomes…another skeptic in a world of believers…maybe we finally find sasquatch…
Delightful story, Simon. And I agree with some of the other comments here: Taryn is incredibly mature and insightful for a wee little gal.
And I really liked the ending. "Santa has the same hands as you." And off she went to play with the others. It reminds me of a point you made awhile ago about letting the story *show* the perspective; there's no need to over-explain when the details and goings-on speak for themselves. (Thanks to your input, I cut some unnecessary fat out of my last essay.) This is a great example.
By the way, nice headshot!
Thanks Larry! The truth is, Santa does have the same hands as me. He granted me that wish when I was around Taryn’s age.
What a heart-warming story, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Rachel! Glad you enjoyed it
Lovely little story. Now I will forever wonder whether she thought you were Father Christmas, or that you both had identical hands.?
Thank you! Some puzzles are best left unsolved.
Once again, Simon, what you've written has taken me down the path you wanted but also down my own path of memories.
Let's just say it's amazing what kids can spot, even if we don't know it ( yet ) ourselves.
Thanks Alan! I would say that’s a result then. What memories did it spark?
Let's just say - they saw something in me I didn't see until many years later 😂
( although the hints were there 😱)
Haha! Your love of Eurovision? 😆
🎶💯
You can kid some of the people some of the time, but not all the people all of the time. Looking forward to next Christmas, Simon!
Very well put Carole! 🎅
Busted by a kid ! I adore that she noticed your hands. Very italian of her. Lovely story, Simon. Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks Dana! I should have worn gloves 🤦♂️