When You Wish Upon a Star
With the holiday season upon us, there is no greater joy than hearing the squeals of delight from a child who spots Santa, or seeing the wonder in their eyes as they sit on his lap, whispering in his ear and sharing their wishes for the latest toys.
We all have those nostalgic memories of standing in line at the mall, attending a church function, or enjoying our own family traditions at home. Those times when our children would leave cookies out for Santa, only to be shooed off to bed with the promise that Santa would bring their favorite toys if they were asleep.
Whatever the memory, Santa is an iconic figure. No greater warmth fills us than the thought of our younger selves with Santa.
Thirteen years ago, Ron Ladd of Saginaw noticed his beard growing a little whiter. With this subtle cue, he decided to combine his love for children with the magic of the season. He bought a red-and-white suit, and thus the “Saginaw Santa” was born.
Initially, Ron dressed as Santa just for family and friends. But as his passion grew, he and his wife, Beth, took things a step further. They began decorating their front yard, which often took four days to complete. Now, their home boasts a festive backdrop, a bench for the kids, and of course, Santa’s big comfy chair where he can listen to all the children’s wishes.
In the early years, Santa would sit outside and chat with those passing by. However, after just two years and a steady stream of eager children, Ron and Beth decided to make family photos a part of their tradition. As the saying goes, the rest is history.
Ron and Beth have been married for 54 years. They have two children, five grandchildren, three bonus grandchildren, and a few great-grandchildren thrown in the mix.
