While growing up my family never really did the whole “Santa” thing, but that didn’t really matter.. because our town had our very own Santa...
This is Bill, Our Mountain Santa
Many small towns have their own traditions and this is one of ours..
Like most traditions, this one started long ago and no one quite knows the exact beginnings. But Bill, known as Uncle Bill, has taken on the role of our community Santa.
You see, this is just the way Uncle Bill looks.. that’s not a fake beard... and while he doesn’t sport that lovely shade of red all year.. the beard and glasses are always there.
The story goes that so many young children on the mountain mistook him for Santa Claus, that he just decided to embrace it. Since then, every year he dresses up as Santa and sends out a special holiday card. He also makes appearances at the school and just brings joy with him wherever he goes.
Each year my Grandmother would take Uncle Bills Christmas Card and turn it into an ornament for the tree. We have quite the collection now, and each year they are added on the tree with the memories that go along with them.
One of my favorite memories was running into Uncle Bill unexpectedly at the store, gas station or post office. Just the sight of him would make me smile, and he always returned it will an equal amount of joy. He even started carrying around small candy canes throughout the year to surprise us when we ran into him.
Even me, a kid who didn’t believe in Santa at the time, found joy and excitement everytime I would see our Mountain Santa.
This year is extra special because Uncle Bill is turning 90 years old in a couple weeks. He’s been playing the role of our Mountian Santa for longer than I have been alive, and now we are planning something special for him.. as a thank you for all the joy he’s brought us.
I think he’s special for many reasons, but most because he seemed to understand very quickly how just a small amount of effort could bring so much happiness to those he didn’t even know. He didn’t bring gifts, we didn’t take him lists... we brought him hugs and smiles and he gave us the same in return.
This tradition has never been about presents from the store.. it’s about connecting with each other on deeper level through small acts of kindness, and the gift of a smile.. just when you need it the most... and I think that is the message he taught us.
So, here's to Uncle Bill on his 90th Birthday... to the Mountain Santa who taught us the real reason for the season...
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more...
I hope you find joy in the small things, and never underestimate the value of kindness.
Much Love and Merry Christmas,
Justine
May he walk and spread some more years joy and fun.
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Thank you ❤️
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That is a wonderful story. It is the kind of small town experience that we want our daughter to have.
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Thank you very much! While our small town isn’t like one of those holiday movies, it definitely has some wonderful traditions that made my childhood pretty magical.
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Aaw Mountain Santa!! So cute he doesn’t even have to make big efforts to look like Santa! And I love that your grandma keeps his pics each year and make it as ornament. Just so cute!
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He really doesn’t.. in fact I remember him most in a par of overalls and driving his old Chevy truck.. the suit is just a special treat for the holiday cards haha.
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What an awesome story. We didn't have a tree or exchange gifts for the first time ever today, so this simple message had nice timing. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
P.S. The thoughts and character behind your posts are equally as awesome.
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I’m glad to hear that, and happy that it could bring a smile to your face. I think the holidays can be rough sometimes.. but if we remember to go back to the simple things, sometimes things become a little more clear. 🤗
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Loved this story! I especially liked how his Christmas cards got turned into ornaments. (0 years old! Happy Birthday, Uncle Bill, and Merry Christmas!
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Thank you! Yes, my Grandmother seemed to always know how to make memories extra special.. and each of the ornamments on the tree have a story behind them.. I kind of think of it as a gift that keeps on giving.. memories. Thanks so much and Merry Christmas to you and your family ❤️
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@rewarding 40 40
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Oh I love this :) . And yes Christmas is much more than presents , it's a more personal thing and each one can live their own celebration in their own way , I think regardless of your belief it is a good moment to remember gratitude for everything that has happened and surrounded us until that moment , I kind of see it as a ''spiritual checkpoint'' , time to take a breather , say thank you for everything that surrounds you and move on with a relieved spirit to the next adenture.
Having said this Thank you! for everything , for sharing this and being you . Merry Christmas Justine ! My best wishes and hope for the best in the next year ! Much Love - Pechi
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Cool story! Christmas is so magical!
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What a truly wonderful story @llfarms 😊 I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
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What a wonderful small town tradition <3 And he's turning 90 ! What a legend ! Thank you for sharing this heart warming story, lele <3
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this could be a great movie :)
"This tradition has never been about presents from the store..it’s about connecting with each other on deeper level through small acts of kindness, and the gift of a smile.."
It never is ( i wrote and deleted follow-up of this sentence, never sounded good enough, long night and i am rambling :D )
great story, it is something small that all of you people will remember forever.
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