A Road to Greatness
Now I believe that… every child out there has greatness in them. When you’re born, every person out there has something that they could give to this world. Some people never find out what their greatness is supposed to be.
With other children, it is so apparent that they were born to thrive. I can see this greatness in children, like a sixth sense, but to be honest its more of a feeling than anything. Sometimes I get a shiver up my spine, or the hair sticks up on the back of my neck, or I just sense a glow around an individual. A feeling that a child is destined to create something special and will eventually give it to this world.
In 1989, Santa delivered a tiny outfit that said “First Christmas” to a baby girl named Taylor in Pennsylvania. She had a shining light that everyone could see. Even as a young infant, her potential was unmistakable. As a little girl, she learned the true spirit of giving because she grew up on a Christmas tree farm. She got to see what it was like to spread cheer each and every year. That light grew brighter as she developed her talent for music and Taylor would go on to touch millions with her songs.
In the mid 80s, Santa came across a young boy in California named Tommy, he loved sports and was so competitive. He wanted to be just like Joe Montana, so that year, we gifted him a 49ers shirt and a new football. Over the years, this kid Tommy worked harder than everyone and would go pro. We all know him now as he went on to win, well... too many Super Bowls. I remember the determination in his eyes even back then. He was a kid who loved the game, and that love would drive him to become one of the greatest players in history.
In the archives, 1958, the elves got to make new guitar strings for a teenager named Jimi. Jimi was such a spirited kid who loved music, he felt most alive strumming his guitar. At the time, he was becoming a prodigy, taking those guitars to places that they had never been before. The way he played notes was pure magic and he stayed humble throughout. Jimi would go on to headline one of the biggest parties of all time in 1969.
As Santa, it is truly incredible to see young kids grow up, and grow strong, and be an inspiration for other people out there. Of course, I don’t take credit for any of their greatness. I just see it, maybe before they even feel it themselves. The great truth is, every child has something to share. You could be the next Taylor, Tom, or Jimi. Each of these remarkable people realized the work they had to put in to become who they are. They nurtured their talents, embraced their passions, andworked tirelessly to achieve their dreams.
Remember every child has a unique light, a potential for great things that can shape the world in ways they might not even imagine. So, keep believing in your dreams, working hard, and letting your light shine. You never know what you might become.
