I can't believe I agreed to dress up as Santa in public, on a Saturday. If I wasn't making overtime pay and raising money for charity, there's no way I would be doing this.
Troy, my manager, wouldn't let me wear the beard to hide my face. He said it's not believable to have a girl Santa with a curly white beard. I tried to argue he's being sexist but he won, because I need the money.
Standing in the mall center with my bucket and sign promoting the donation drive for the local animal shelter, I force a fake smile and mimic a pageant wave. I look like a demented robot. Thirty minutes in, I hear the unmistakable cackling of the popular women from sales.
"Look at the little admin in the tacky, baggy velour." Valorie, the head minion says. I quickly glance to see seven of my coworkers walking towards me, including Robbie, the most beautiful, charming man on the planet that doesn't know I exist.
Dear Santa, my only wish for Christmas is to disappear this very instant. Thanks!
"Hey, Santa! " Valorie exclaims and I cringe. "I must say, this outfit suits you better than your usual outfits. Hm, I want you to sing the one about Rudolf." She says, as they come to a stop in front of me.
"What?" No way am I singing right now!
"Troy wants a video of you singing something jolly to play at the holiday party tonight." They laugh and my face turns as scarlet as this itchy fabric.
