Saturday, December 4, 2010

Moonlighting

The Christmas season is a busy time for Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, since dons a read suit, lugs a pack of presents, and replaces limericks with a steady stream of "ho, ho, hos!" while making the circuit of children's Christmas parties. The beard, however, is real.

Spreading joy and good cheer is simply part of Ed's personality. For two years, Ed was a supervisor for one of two agents for which my family and me delivered newspapers. He bought and distributed Santa Claus and reindeer hats for all and initiated a Queen of Christmas contest amongst the carriers (the women were automatically contests; one year, I even got a vote). The winner delivered presents to families who had children under age twelve, all purchased and wrapped by Ed and his wife.

In the month of December, no carrier left on the route without a supply of candy canes. Ed now works at another distribution center, but throwing newspapers in December isn't the same without candy canes. Luckily, my children are keeping me well-supplied.

Check out http://www.bryonyseries.com/ and click on the link for The Steward of Tara. Do you think Ed Calkins resembles Santa Claus?

No comments: