Woo Hoo! We’re halfway there! Everyone knows that today, June 25th, marks the halfway point to Christmas! In just a mere 183 days Santa will be coming to visit! But did you know that the 45th Parallel marks the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole, where Santa lives? And that the 45th parallel runs through the Maine town of Perry?! We’re practically neighbors to Santa!
Believe it or not, despite being what Ebenezer Scrooge and my brother would call a “Christmas lunatic,” I had no idea I was that close to Santa’s home until we drove past this sign last fall on my World Tour of Maine. Of course I immediately had Dad turn the car around so we could mark this monumental moment! The following is the conversation Angel Chuck Billy and I had that day.
Asa: Can you believe it Chuck Billy? We are at the 45th Parallel!
Chuck Billy: You don’t even know what a parallel is. Stop being so excited!
Asa: Oh it smells like Christmas!
Chuck Billy: That’s because we’re sitting under a pine tree.
Asa: Do you think Santa planted this pine tree to mark that we’re halfway to his house?
Chuck Billy: No.
Asa: Oh you’re right. The elves probably planted it in his honor and as a directional sign for Rudolph. Speaking of directions, I wonder if we could drive there today?
Chuck Billy: Why don’t we get back in the car, and go back to our vacation rental cottage. We don’t have time for this nonsense.
Asa: Oh you’re right. It would be rude to arrive at Santa’s house unannounced and without a hostess gift for Mrs. Claus.
Chuck Billy: Yes, that’s exactly why we can’t drive there today.
Asa: I bet Mrs. Claus always has fresh baked cookies ready for unexpected guests!
Chuck Billy: Speaking of cookies, it’s almost dinnertime. Can we get moving?
Asa: Good idea! I can bake some cookies for Santa, and then we can go visit! This is the BEST day ever!
Chuck Billy: Indeed, now let’s go home!
I admit that I still do not know what a 45th parallel is, but I’m so glad I got to experience being halfway to Santa’s home with Chuck Billy. I miss our banter. Love you, Angel Chuck Billy! See you at the end of the trail… And Merry Halfway to Christmas!
