We received this lovely story and some pictures from one of Jim’s friends. Read on to discover how Jim truly embodies the spirit of Santa Claus…
“It was November. My friend Jim and I visited Edinburgh for a bit of tourism with a group of friends. On the tram ride back to the airport, a little boy sat staring at Jim (something I was getting used to). Jim, not in his Santa costume but sporting a full white beard and a red jacket, noticed the boy looking.
The child’s mother tried to distract him, but his curiosity was unwavering. Summoning courage, the boy asked, “Are you…” In an instant, Jim switched to his Santa voice, placed a finger to his lips and whispered, “Shhhh – I’m on holiday.”
The boy’s mother was so apologetic, but Jim reassured her with a smile, explaining that it happened all the time. Somehow, Jim had picked up the child’s name. “So, Ryan, tell me. Have you been a good boy this year?” The look on Ryan’s face was priceless. Soon, everyone on the tram was engrossed by this encounter with Santa. Jim seamlessly took his cues from Ryan’s mum, checking off the “good boy” and “presents this year” boxes with ease.
As Ryan and his mother left the tram, the boy was star-struck. No doubt, leaving with a memory he would cherish forever. The rest of the tram applauded Jim and even I felt like I had witnessed the real Santa ‘in the wild’. I realised then that Jim is an exceptional Santa and the very embodiment of Father Christmas. I will never forget that journey with Santa.”
A friend of Jim Kringle