For three consecutive Christmases, I hired the same Santa Claus to bring holiday cheer to my home. But last Christmas Eve, I stumbled upon a secret that would forever change our lives.
Hi, I’m Elara. I was 34 when this incredible story unfolded last year. To give you some context, I adopted my son Dylan when he was just six months old. That was eight years ago.
The adoption agency had found him abandoned at their doorstep with a note saying his name was Martin. I decided to rename him Dylan, and since then, it’s been just the two of us against the world. Raising him alone hasn’t been easy, but it’s been the most rewarding experience of my life.
Christmas quickly became our favorite holiday. When Dylan was younger, I avoided crowded malls and instead looked for private Santas to make the occasion special.
Three years ago, I found a flyer advertising a Santa actor who would visit homes. It felt like the perfect opportunity, so I called, and Harold entered our lives.
The first time Harold came to our house, his Santa suit was slightly oversized, but his dedication was undeniable. Dylan, who was five at the time, thought he was meeting the real Santa. Harold stayed for hours, playing with Dylan, reading stories, and even baking cookies. I offered him extra payment, which he declined, insisting I call him the next Christmas.
For three years, Harold returned, always making Christmas magical for Dylan. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He spent so much time with us, and I often wondered why.
Last Christmas, the truth came to light. Dylan accidentally spilled hot cocoa on Harold’s Santa suit, prompting Harold to clean up in the bathroom. When I handed him a towel, I noticed something that left me speechless—a crescent-shaped birthmark on his back identical to Dylan’s.
Then, as Harold emerged from the bathroom, he called Dylan by the name “Martin,” the very name on the note from the adoption agency. My mind raced, and I couldn’t hold back. I confronted Harold, demanding to know who he was.
What he told me was both shocking and heartwarming. Years ago, Harold had been a struggling young father. After Dylan’s mother left, he couldn’t support his son and made the heartbreaking decision to leave him at the adoption agency, hoping he’d find a better life. Harold had been keeping tabs on Dylan ever since. Once he got his life together, he devised the Santa visits as a way to be close to his son without disrupting our lives.
I was stunned but understood his reasoning. Harold loved Dylan deeply and found a way to be present, even if it was unconventional. After much thought, I decided Dylan deserved to know the truth.
Dylan, who already knew he was adopted, took the news in stride and wanted to meet Harold as himself, not Santa. Harold came over for dinner, and their bond only grew stronger. Soon, Harold became a regular part of our lives. To my surprise, he also expressed feelings for me. Over time, our relationship blossomed.
Just last week, Harold proposed to me—in his Santa suit, of course. It was quirky but perfect. This Christmas, we’re not just celebrating the holiday. We’re celebrating our new family and the love that brought us together in the most unexpected way. Life truly works in mysterious ways.
