Mr. Downey, A heartfelt Thank You is simply not enough to express how special you made our community Christmas holiday gathering. Your gentle nature and genuine thoughtfulness made the experience with you an absolutely perfect one. There is a huge difference between just anyone you hire to come to your house or place of business for a party and the person we hired to come to our home for a very special Christmas Eve gathering. You made that difference. All of my family felt the same way. It has been a couple weeks since your visit and my son Peter and nephew Justin still have not stopped talking about the experience you gave them. You came on a cold and windy night and left all our hearts warm with laughter and joy. You truly are a great person and I only wish that more great families will get to enjoy the warmth and Christmas spirit you bring with you every where you go. Sincerely, Peter Behrens, Grasonville MD **************************************************************************** Dear Ed I remember your first visit like it was yesterday. It was our Christmas Eve party for friends and neighbors. When Santa walked through the door, bells ringing, his velvet bag loaded with gifts...the image of the wide-eyed looks on those child faces is still etched in my mind. How could we not do it again? .It became a tradition. How did you keep the children as believers for so long? Our kids grew up believing in Santa, looking forward to your arrival Christmas Eve. Once, driving my then 12-year-old daughter Molly to a soccer game, I heard her arguing in the back seat. She almost shouted, "Oh yes there is a Santa. I've seen him. He comes to my house every Christmas Eve." I kept trying to figure out how you did it. How did you keep the children as believers for so long? There were so many elements of your style, mannerisms, and patter that contributed: ✤You treated the adults like children. Many sat on your knee and visited. ✤ You found out the tidbits of information about each guest and dropped them into your conversations. . ✤ You spoke vividly and had a trove of magical effects you used while talking. ✤ Your great costume with the wild looking Fox fur and the realistic props added to the illusion. ✤ But best of all was your beard. It was so obviously real. After 18 years, our children are having their own Christmas activities. We are sad our tradition has come to an end. We miss you a lot. Have a very Merry Christmas. Sincerely, Jim Just