In 2013 while performing as Lollipop the Elf in the VIP car of the Polar Express, I was brought to tears by the magic of Santa. Santa came in to give the first bell of Christmas to a little 3-year-old girl named Audrey.

I watched as he handed it to her and noticed her mother had tears streaming down her cheeks. I asked her if she was all right and through her tears, she told me watching her little girl receive the first bell was one of the greatest gifts she could have received. She went on to tell me that all Audrey has asked for this Christmas was to receive the first bell of Christmas from Santa. I did not know this when I chose this child for Santa tonight and I did not tell her mother I had chosen her. I began to cry with Audrey’s mother because I felt so blessed by God for giving me the opportunity to make a special moment for someone else.

I will cherish this special moment forever. Just when you think there is too much darkness in the world, God sheds a light on the goodness in humanity.