This post has become an annual holiday tradition – sharing my mom’s love of Christmas while highlighting her giving heart and the ever-worthy Clearbrook organization. Thank you so much for all of your support and kindness – all year long, dear readers. Here’s to a happy, healthy 2026 for all!
Santa Sue
My mom, Sue, was a party girl at heart and Christmas was her favorite holiday. Even when money was tight, she’d find ways to rally people together with her infectious humor and charisma, often for a good cause.
Truthfully, though, any day could’ve been a dress up day for Sue – see pic above. A favorite photo of my mom from 1973, proudly modeling a handmade Santa suit, whipped together by pulling an all-nighter.
Sue saved Christmas that year for dozens of disabled children by stepping in for the scheduled Santa who became ill. It’s a holiday memory my sweet sister Lisa will remember forever.
Sue was a terrific last-minute Santa stand-in. But the suit? It barely held together for the party, but it didn’t matter. The little ones were thrilled to see “Santa” and only Lisa and I knew the secret.
As we wrap up 2025, please consider year-end giving – to any worthy organization or group. It matters.
Lisa and I were thrilled by the many wonderful donations from blogging friends to the Clearbrook organization last month – after I wrote about “Giving Tuesday”. Holiday hugs to all – from me and Lisa, too!
Vicki 💝
Loving Lisa & Supporting Her Team – Victoria Ponders
Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Sue Had Rizz – Victoria Ponders
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.
Click here for Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcasts. Listen and subscribe. Thank you! Click here for videos of our podcasts.
Victoria Ponders 
Leave a comment