Getting to know Kris Kringle

What an elusive character this Kris Kringle is. I first met up with him in 1964. Actually my earliest memory, that is. Living in a brownstone on E. 72, my parents were gone all day long. The weather was extremely cold and my Uncle Ray was watching my sister and me, until my parents returned home, from wherever it was they were at. After watching the Flintstones on the black and white that evening, we were ushered into bed and told that, when we woke up, something magical would happen.

So, of course there was no way that we were ever going to get to sleep! That was when my Uncle Ray read my sister and me, "Twas The Night Before Christmas."

I have no memory of falling asleep, but I did remember the part of the jolly old man, Kris Kringle and his eight tiny reindeers. When my sister and I woke up, something magical had happened. Kris had paid a visit to E. 72, for in the living room was one of the most beautiful Christmas trees my sister and I had ever laid eyes on. After that year, we would chase the entire year away knowing that Dec. 25th would be here and Kris Kringle would return, and that for just one night, something magical could happen.

So now my crazy historic side has taken over and I really do want to know, where did Kris Kringle come from??

This information is from "The Historic St. Charles, Missouri Christmas Traditions":

Kris Kringle is of German and American descent. The figure of Santa Claus first begins to show up among the Pennsylvania Dutch in the mid 1820's in the form of Kris Kringle, or as he was also known, "Belsnickle". Belsnickle is a derivative of the German, "Pelz-nickle," which means "Nicholas in Furs."

Belsnickle would travel the Pennsylvania countryside ringing his bell looking for good children to give out his small gifts of cakes and nuts to. If Belsnickle came across a child who had not been behaving in the past year, he would warn the child to be good or else he might give them a smack with his rod.

By today's standards he would have been arrested for child endangering; I like my memories better.

So I sat down with Kris Kringle and asked him a few of my questions before he popped the all elusive question to me: "Susan, what do you want.... for Christmas?"

So Kris, how's it going these days?

Great couldn't be better, a little busy with the holiday coming up and all.

What's your idea of perfect happiness?

Good weather on the 24th of December, preferably at night and with a full moon so I can see.

What is your greatest achievement?

Settling down with a good woman, working one day a year ,managing a factory of toy-making elves, and farming flying reindeer.   

What quality do you like most in a person?

Ho, ho, ho. I like them to be good!

What do you value most in friends?

The Missus is my best friend, and she makes me cookies all the time, so I guess I would have to say if they can bake.

What is your most treasured possession?

Mrs. Claus

What is your greatest extravagance?

My Santa suit. Mrs. Claus made it for me years ago, but if I had it my way I would probably just travel in sweats.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Parents who teach their children right from wrong.

What makes you unique?

The twinkle in my eye

If you could change one thing what would it be?

Why stop at one? Ho ho HO! I would want Peace in the whole world!

What is your favorite word?

Believe.

And so, I end the interview with Kris Kringle on the belief that, yes, Susan, there is still a Santa Claus.

And what to my wondering mind should appear????