The Last Sleigh Ride: Eulogies for our Brethren in Red

Thinking about those who have donned the white-trimmed red suit who have moved over to the other side, there are four that come to mind: Santa Floyd, Santa Milt, Santa Mike, and Santa CJ. There may be more that have not reached my attention. Sitting here now thinking about these men whom I had never met, it comes to mind that we need to celebrate the life of those who are departed.

A well-prepared eulogy always is well received, even if it is a bit behind the curve.

More than one eulogy for each Santa is also appropriate. When those passionate posts celebrating the passing of a Santa on Elf Net, Santa Talk and IOS Forum came along, my head was not in the right place.

Please help us get the word out to those who knew our Brothers and ask for a eulogy. In some cases, they are already written but are not archived here on Jingle Press Online. Our policy is that all articles need a byline posted by the author, or if posted by others, does so with the permission of the author. Becoming an AUTHOR for Jingle Press Online is easy; register first, then send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to get upgraded to AUTHOR. Posting an article is similar to posting in a forum, with the extra step of selecting a SECTION and then a CATEGORY. If that step is missed, then Santa Walter will finish the post as soon as he notices.

A good eulogy does not need to be long. If no one else has mentioned the family, that may be needed to put the person in context of those who loved him. Some of the best eulogies are based on anecdotes that recall an event or experience shared between the story-teller and our departed. Sometimes they even bring out a chuckle or a laugh. It helps to bring parts of the person's life about which many folks know little or nothing. His special hobbies, interests, charities, number of seasons as Santa, and about casual meetings and conversations that bring out the full picture of the person.

Speaking of pictures, we are happy to have pictures of our Brethren as part of their story. Along with the rich traditions they leave behind, it always helps to see the face and suit.

Please help us capture the memories of those Santas who have taken their last sleigh ride.

Sincerely,

Santa Walter

Publisher, Jingle Press Online