by Lee Juslin
Frosty, my certified therapy dog, and I visited an assisted living facility every week. Many of the residents had Alzheimer symptoms. Nevertheless, the residents all loved seeing Frosty, and she loved visiting. For some, we were their only regular visitors.
During the holidays, Frosty dressed in her Santa suit to host a Christmas party with gifts for everyone that Frosty and I had assembled in little gift bags. The facility provided punch and snacks. But, first, we all gathered around the Christmas tree, and I read a holiday story.
Santa Frosty
During the visit in the week prior to the event, I would remind residents of the upcoming party. I remember telling them that Frosty would dress as Santa.
One lady smiled and said eagerly, “Oh, tell me about it.” Caught a bit off guard, I said that in the 21st century, girls, too, could play Santa. “So, I suppose she will come with her horses”, the lady replied. Finding myself at a loss, I smiled and, instead of keeping my mouth shut, I said, “Don’t you mean reindeer?” She gave me a pitying look and said, “Well, if you say so.”
On this day, it was dark and damp with a hint of rain to come. But, the atmosphere inside was warm and welcoming. As we came in, Frosty started over to the circle of residents waiting eagerly. I heard, “Frosty, it’s Frosty.” “Hi Frosty.” Frosty sashayed in typical Scottie fashion over to the group and, after greeting people, sat in front of the fireplace with a blazing fire where she could be seen and admired. I followed and took a seat. My greetings were much more subdued. After all, I was only Frosty’s servant.
I had chosen to read The Gift of the Magi which was a favorite with the residents. After I had finished, we talked about Christmas and the love shown in the story. Then I read a humorous Christmas poem by Ogden Nash called, The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus. It’s a poem about a nasty boy who tried to ruin Christmas for everyone, but told with the wonderful humor of Ogden Nash. If you haven’t read it, we highly recommend it. (Link at bottom of story)
After the readings, we had punch and cookies and handed out the gift bags.
I then took pictures of the residents with Santa Frosty. I used the pictures to make cards with greetings from Frosty. I would deliver the cards on next week’s visit. I know how cherished those cards were because I often saw them months later displayed in residents’ rooms.
As we got ready to leave, I paused and looked back. Smiling, I realized I was seeing some real Christmas joy.
The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus
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