The Touque Makes the Outfit

Joe has been growing his beard lately, and it has become a lush forest of white hair. When he went grocery shopping today, he wore his green boiled wool jacket and his red touque.

He freely admits that he looked like an elf in this outfit.

As he was shopping, he noticed a little boy - maybe three years old - being pushed along as Mommy talked on the phone. He saw Joe.

Joe says his eyes got as round and big as dinner plates as the realization dawned that here, in front of him, was Santa Claus!! Mom was absorbed in her conversation and didn't notice Joe or his effect on the little guy. The kid started tugging on her sleeve, saying "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!"

At that point, Joe leaned in, put his finger up to his lips, and said, "Shhhhh!" Then he winked, and the little boy nodded.

And laying his finger alongside his nose, he gives a nod, and down the Wegman's aisle he goes.*

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*Apologies to Clement Clarke Moore