by Mario Dimain

Created on: November 30, 2009

The Truth behind the Lie

Christmas season in Toronto is not complete without the Santa Claus Parade. The seasonal event surely brings happy children out on the streets. With its fire-like magic, it rekindles the youth within the senior citizens who were children once, and had their share of the thrill of seeing Santa's arrival in the city.

The coming of Santa at this time of the year is an old tradition that is rooted to the Eaton family, when in 1905 they walked with Santa Claus from Union Station to their main Eaton Store on 190 Yonge Street. The historic walk won the hearts of Torontonians and grew into an annual pre-Christmas parade.

Today, 104 years later, no more Eaton's stores remain but the tradition still continues. From where I stand with my family, I can see both sides of Yonge Street, lined with throngs of onlookers patiently waiting for Santa's parade to begin. Babies in strollers, toddlers sitting on curbs, parents and grandparents occupy most of the sidewalk.

It is easy to spot the experienced parade-watchers. They come early and prepared. They are donned with Santa and elf hats, lounging comfortably on folding chairs or propped on stepladders for a better view.

The determination of the older children to see Santa is hard to ignore. Because of their short stature, they wittingly utilize the fence, recycling bins and newspaper boxes for higher ground. Others, who are tall enough, patiently stand at the back with babies perched on their dad's shoulders.

The clowns on the street make funny faces as they ramp up the excitement. Children are so drawn to them, especially when they throw candy canes to the screaming crowd. The sound of the marching bands and the colorful floats are constant reminders that Santa is sure to come and is not far behind.

While the crowds are fixated on the alluring display of Christmas spirit, I find myself absorbed by the excitement of the children. I watch the joy on their faces, mixed with curiosity, anticipation and eagerness to see the man of the hour, Mr. Santa Claus himself.

Finally, the reindeers are seen turning south on Yonge Street from Dundas Street. I hear the distant "Ho-Ho-Ho!" which is quickly drowned by cheers from all the children. Santa has arrived!

The man in red, who is branded as the biggest hoax on earth by some extremists, is seen as a hero by these boys and girls from all races. They believe in him, the happy old man who loves kids; the one who reminds them to be good, just like the little boy Jesus. If all the lies I hear are as beautiful as the story of Santa, then I would rather take the blame and be the author of this biggest lie.

To these children who withstood the boredom of waiting, they can only see the truth that some of us adults can't. They see the goodness created by the lie. They see the joy of giving; they see the appreciation of gifts; they see kindness and they see love.

As amazing as a trusting child, little ones are also blind. They don't see the colours of people. There are no whites, no blacks, no browns, no yellows and no reds. They see everybody as their own kind. Unlike most adults, they don't see hostility, hatred and racial discrimination.

As I watch the tail end of the parade and the crowd dispersing in all directions, I wonder if any of the adults at the parade actually reverted back to the peaceful innocence of a child, at least for the brief moment Santa passed by.

Merry Christmas everyone!

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