Christmas Eve was a strange day at the mall. There were lots of people frantically searching for those last minute gifts. There were very few small kids. There were a lot of young teenagers and pre-teens that seemed to take great joy in tormenting Santa. The pre-teens would invariably pull my beard and react in shock when it did not come off. The teenage girls would come in groups of three to six and squirm all over my lap and ask for all kinds of things. A few of them were things that would cause them to scream (if I really did produce what they asked for) and me to go to jail. Some were just innocent kids having fun. In any case, by 11:00, a security guard was nearby to keep the rowdier ones away.
At noon, as I was resting and eating a Big Mac and fries, there was a sharp knock on the workshop divider and one of the helpers said, "Come in." Mrs. Shattuck bustled around the partition and came right up to me.
"Lars, may I have a moment?" She motioned toward the back of the rest area.
I got up and followed her. "Now, the mall closes at 7:00 tonight. You can get some rest and get cleaned up. You may want to change into your clean costume. I'll make sure it is available over at the Shady Lady. At 8:00, you will find your sleigh in front of the Furniture Barn. The mall employees and many of the various store employees will be there. Some will bring their children. Rachel will help you hand out gifts for them. There will also be some gifts for employees. When the gifts are handed out, please feel free to enjoy the buffet."
"That sounds great Mrs. Shattuck. I'll be there with bells on."
"Oh, there is one more thing. That party will break up by 9:00 or 9:30. At 10:00, the mall's board of directors will be here. They have requested a little fashion show so they can select some last minute gifts for their wives." Then she leaned close and whispered, "Although, I really don't think their wives ever see what they buy." That confused me. She continued, "I would like for you to be the emcee for the fashion show. I have a script prepared. All you have to do is read it. Oh, and you will be compensated for the extra time."
"That's fine with me, Mrs. Shattuck. I've really enjoyed working here. Hopefully you'll have me back next year."
"You've been a marvelous Santa. If Mr. Olson does not decide to return, the job is yours. In fact, you are a better Santa, but he's been doing it for so long I have to give him first chance."
"Oh, sure, I understand. Thank you." I looked at the clock. "Well, I'd better get back out there. My public awaits."
The day dragged by. My 'customers' came in spurts. Everyone was in a hurry to get done so they would only have a couple of minutes before their parents ran out of patience and hustled them away. The teens were less problem with the guard hanging around, but a few still played their little games.
At last, 7:00 came and we closed up shop. I grabbed my things and headed straight for the Shady Lady. The door was locked and the shades were down so I knocked. I heard some movement inside and Liz came and opened the door just a crack. "Oh, Santa, I'm sorry. Old Lady Shattuck forgot we are doing the hair and makeup for the fashion show. I sent the suit back to the costume shop. They'll help you get changed. See you later." She gave me a little wave and bolted the door again.
I found my way to the costume shop and was a little disappointed to find Heidi was not there. Instead, there was a plump woman of about 50 dressed as Raggedy Anne. She was quite jolly and talked nonstop as she helped me out of my suit and into a clean one. Then she had me sit down in a chair and touched up my makeup. She did a competent job, but she was no Heidi, or not even a Liz for that matter.
Still having over half an hour to kill, I wandered through the mall just looking through closed storefronts. By the time I reached the Furniture Barn, buffet tables were already set up and food was beginning to arrive. My sleigh was already in place next to the gigantic mall Christmas tree and there were stacks of presents to be handed out.
I walked by and continued to look in a few other store windows then returned to the Furniture Barn just before 8:00. People were mingling and munching. Many others were still arriving. I looked but could not see Rachel or Heidi anywhere, so I went to the sleigh and had a seat. There was a list there and I began looking over the names. I didn't even see Rachel until she touched my hand. I looked up and smiled broadly. She turned and modeled her outfit for me.
Rachel was wearing a simple little dress of deep red satin. It had white fur (fake I'm sure" trim around a U-shaped neckline and around the hem which was about halfway between her knees and heaven. It fit tightly to her body on top and flared out from the waist down. She spun and I caught a glimpse of red sequinned panties as her dress rose. She also had on a Santa hat and ballet slippers to match the dress.