such a sad sight

I was zipping through the Walmart on Lima Road today.  I happened to be in that area and thought I would brave the "13 shopping days left" crowd to pick up a few things I needed.  As I was working my way across the store from housewares to groceries, I saw the most sadly amazing sight.  Santa Claus was sitting on a decorative chair in an open space in the middle of the store (near the electronics department) and he was all alone.  I looked twice to be sure it was a real, live Santa and he was and quite a presentable Santa with a plushy costume and long white beard. But there were no children lined up to talk to him, no elves to keep him company, no signs that I saw directing people to Santa. Just Santa, all alone. Perhaps it was just a lull and he got really busy later.  I was tempted to make a quick run to the mall, approach people in line to see Santa there and tell them there was no waiting at Walmart.