It's not Thanksgiving until Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is on the television. The floats, the marching bands, and the entertainers are mesmerizing. It's an enormous spectacle, especially for a little boy in a small town. Mom's already busy in the kitchen, but my father hangs out with me for almost everything.

"Oh gosh! Oh gosh! Look, Dad, it's Spider-man! There's Superman Dad, look!" Dad smiles and reminds me that we have to watch until the very end because of the special guest. I know exactly what he's talking about because this isn't my first rodeo. They save Mr. Kringle himself for the very end.

Everyone knows the real Santa shows up for the big parade, so it's my chance to catch a glimpse. I've sure tried to see him in the act on Christmas Eve, but he's quick and sneaky. I feel like he's waving at me whenever the camera zooms in on his face. I've been to the mall before in town and sat with one of those wannabes. The beard is a dead giveaway every single time. It's how I know the Macey Santa is the real deal.

The announcer keeps saying that Kris Kringle is getting close, but that was three commercial breaks ago! I have to go to the bathroom, but I'll miss him as soon as I do, so it's in my best interest to hold tight. "Here he comes, son!" My fathers' eyes get as big as mine as we catch the first flash of the jolly old elf in his sleigh. We both tremble in excitement together as Santa is finally introduced and waves at Dad and me. We know Christmas is on the way, and Dad says, "It won't be long now, Chris."