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Wishing you Happy Holidays! Once in a while we are privileged to be a part of something unique in the world. I had that pleasure this past Saturday night at the opening of Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Capistrano Lights, the holiday program. |
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“Fa La La, La La La,” filled the air with sounds of joy. Colored lights twinkled from every corner as I took up my post at Santa’s side to hand out candy canes to the many guests, children and adults alike, who came to have their photos taken with Santa. It felt like a dream for the two hours I witnessed family after family approach Santa.
One little girl about two-years old broke free from her parents and raced right up to him and climbed onto his lap. She grinned a big smile, enraptured by the experience. A few of the other children took a look at the big man dressed in red and burst into tears. Eventually they found the joy and left with smiles. |
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Watching the parents and grandparents organize their offspring for the photo was a pleasure in itself. They were filled with such love and pride. My heart swelled a bit to witness their unabashed devotion.
For his part, Santa’s enthusiasm engaged the children as he asked what they wanted for Christmas. More than a few sweet little voices wanted a baby brother or sister! That got a big shock reaction out of a few of the young dads! One mother, overhearing her child’s request announced, “Maybe so. We are expecting!” |
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Standing to the side, I laughed to myself as it seemed a lot of intimate information was being shared in a most poignant way with Santa. Perhaps many of us as adults still feel a personal connection to the Santa Claus of our childhood.
After a while, a trio of exuberant young women greeted Santa in a cloud of joyous laughter as they arranged themselves around him. Photos taken, one lady wanted a solo pic. Her friends stood back armed with cameras while she mimed a whispered secret into Santa’s ear. A good sport, Santa mugged an “Oh my!” astonished expression as the cameras clicked. The trio selected their candy canes and left swathed in cheer. |
My role as candy cane custodian provided me with an opportunity to really feel the season. When I offered the small pink cellophane treats, some of the children appeared ecstatic, while others meticulously searched through the basket for their perfect one. The candy canes are fragile and some of the children withdrew a broken one. Clearly, that would not do. When I offered up two in that case, the offer was met with delight. I noticed how gracefully the parents took care to ensure that their child said “thank you.” I was reminded of what it takes to raise children. I saw that the parents were constantly teaching and watching over the safety of their little ones.
As the candies were unwrapped, and the families filed by, I wished them a merry Christmas. When I complimented the adults on their beautiful families, their open-faced pride was stunning in itself. I am now of an age where I have witnessed several generations of young parents. I marvel at what a great undertaking it is; how essential it is to life. It is reassuring to me in these times of world strife and vitriol to witness strong families. Whatever their configuration, families are consistently in place to provide the foundation for society.
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At 6 pm the great Mission Basilica bells tolled. It felt like everything stilled for those long, majestic moments of the tolling. Small faces searched around for the source of the reverberating sounds. Adult faces became reverent. Those bells offered the perfect note to a perfect event.
When my Santa shift was over, I made my way to the tree lighting program at the ruins of the Great Stone Church which was filled with hundreds of guests. Little children sat upon their father’s shoulders, while moms held the hands of others. There were warm welcomes from the mission’s Monsignor McKiernan and the mission’s director, Mechelle Lawrence-Adams. Before the huge Christmas tree showed its lights, the crowd counted down and soon the tree sprang to life and the celebrants seemed enchanted. |
After the program, I strolled the courtyards observing children creating ornaments and posing with angel wings projected on the walls. Guests seemed enthralled by the display that four Acjachemen tribal members shared of baskets, pelts and noise makers.
I visited with some of the guests and learned that for many the tree lighting at the mission has become a tradition.
I visited Serra Chapel and also the nativity scene at the Great Stone Church where guests placed candles in remembrance of loved ones. |
My evening at the mission with Santa was threaded with magic for me, not just witnessing two thousand guests savoring the many layers of meaning that can be found at the mission, but for me personally, having an opportunity to interact with so many from my community. I feel proud to be a part of something so much bigger than I am.
I know for many of us the holidays and all they entail can feel like a time of stress. Perhaps, if we practice mindfulness, we can choose to allow this holiday season to be one of reflection and gratitude. Maybe, as my college students used to say, we can “chill!” |
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Capistrano Lights is open on selected nights until December 29. I wish you a wonderful holiday season. I sincerely believe this is our time now and that it is up to us to make the most if it. I always want to know how you are doing and how you are taking care of yourself. My best, donna
One of the photos included is from a 2019 visit with granddaughter Caroline when she was 10. |
