Santa and the Devil

The Kana tradition in the 1940s and 50s was to have a gathering or Christmas party each year around Christmas time. Each year it would be hosted at one or the other of my aunts’ or uncles’ houses. There were ten members of this brother and sister clan. The kids would all play outside or in another room while the old folks did their visiting and gossiping in the living room where the Christmas tree stood.

After some drinks and a meal the kids were all summoned into the Christmas tree room. As we kids were all seated, there arose in the attic above us a loud clanking like the rattle of chains. We were all surprised at that sudden noise and were told by our elders that Santa had just arrived on the rooftop and was in that attic. We were informed also that he had brought along the devil or “boo bac” (booger man). He had brought a sack of goodies for us kids but only the children who had been good would receive presents. The bad kids would be let out to the devil.

After more clanking and rattling of chains, we looked up and sure enough, the devil’s black tail appeared through a hole in the ceiling. I suppose it was a black piece of rubber hose but it sure looked like a real tail to us.

After coming down the stairs into our room, sure enough, there was Santa carrying a large sack on his back and holding onto a chain. With the other hand, he was leading this booger man devil. He was dressed in a red crepe paper-like suit with a face mask that had pointed ears, pointed nose and two pointed horns on his forehead. What a sight! I was traumatized!

After convincing Santa that we had been good children, the devil left the room and we all received our gifts. Most of the time our gift consisted of an apple, orange and maybe a few pieces of penny candy. We very seldom got any kind of toys, but we were satisfied with whatever we got. Whenever we misbehaved all it took from our parents was a reminder about that devil who would get us; and, we would be set on the straight and narrow again.

Just to let you all know how much of an impression this booger man incident left on my young brain, I can tell you this. I was 18 years old, driving a car, and dating in the sixties. When I came home at night, I had to park Dad’s car into the garage located about 200 feet from the house. There was no outside lighting and it was quite dark. After I shut the garage door I made a mad dash for that house entrance because in my 18-yearold mind, I still thought that booger man was going to get me!

I am now over 70 years old and to this day I dare not let my arms dangle off the side of the bed when I sleep. My subconscious mind still tells me that the booger man under the bed might reach out and grab it. Sad, but true….