SANTA SAYS >>>>

Ah, New Year's Day in Tacoma. Layering of woolens, drabbest down or brightest fleece begin to muffle forms and features. The back of the closet comes to the front; here's the Siberian yakwear. Gortex crests featureless bulk.

With temps hovering in the hi-30s and lo-40s, automobiles splash toward Point Defiance Park. The dude on the Schwinn pedals furiously down Pearl Street toward the zoo. What do intricate piercings feel like in the cold?

There's a crowd at the Point Defiance Marina. Everyone grips towels. Look! There's a frosted cueball, vanity tempting hypothermic harm. A bald man goes hatless. It's silly here.

Youngsters are separated from families at 11:30 a.m. A few are dressed as Batman. There's a Nina Turtle. A grown-up gives a speech. The youngsters cheer and run into the icy cold Commencement Bay. A mom stands in front of blue-colored children like Mary Tyler Moore after she's tossed her tam-o'-shanter. Look upward, she's lost her scarf, it's caught in the cold wind, the scarf flies, dervishing aloft on the updraft, higher still, unfettered ribbon above that neck, beyond reach, a second or three from its watery fate in front of the Tacoma Yacht Club.

The kids run toward shore screaming. One Batman is crying. The Ninja Turtle lost his shell. The children are rewarded with clothing, food and pats on the heads.

Teens and grown-ups inch toward the water. Surprising, there's another Batman. Mr. Speechmaker is back. The clock strike noon and it's into the water for these loons. A few turn back. Most turn blue. Spectators cheer.

Afterward, hot drinks are consumed in tents with heaters.

See you there.

[Point Defiance Marina, Polar Bear Plunge, Sunday, Jan. 1, 11:30 a.m., free, 5912 N. Waterfront Dr., Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, 253.591.5325]

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