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 The visits with Santa were hosted by the library
from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. After visiting with Santa, kids were
encouraged to exit via the back door so they could cross the alley
and stop in at the Library Annex building for a time of crafts,
games, treats, and of course cocoa and cookies.
As children came to see Santa, he was quite forthcoming with
information about himself and how he landed his magic power. For
those who didn’t know, he began by asking if they knew about the
mean lady in the Hansel and Gretel story. When children said yes
they knew about that lady, Santa then explained that the lady had
special powers, but most of the time did not use them wisely or for
good. Then one day, feeling reticent about her behavior she visited
Kris Kringle and gave him a special gift.
Santa said from that day on, he had the ability to know not only
want children want but what they need. He said the reason this was
important, is because a lot of the time children will speak what
they want, but they don’t say what they need. However, Santa knows,
and he does his best to do what is best for children around the
world. He explained to one young visitor, “You may not want
underwear for Christmas, but if you need them, Santa is going to
know that. So, while you didn’t ask for it, it may be what you get,
because it is what you need.”
The youngster seemed to be okay with that, although one might guess
that she was thinking more about the want side of Santa’s generosity
instead of the need side.
Santa also told the truth about his elves. He said they are not
‘tech-savvy.’ Oh, they try, but the truth is a phone or computer
game made at the North Pole will probably not be as good a gift as
one that is purchased from the local box or electronics stores.
Santa also enjoyed sharing music with the children with his
specially made stringed instrument. Not a guitar and not a ukulele,
he said it was what the elves came up with when he tried to tell
them what he wanted. Regardless of what it was, it sounded good and
many of his young guests enjoyed trying their hand at it.
When the “Farmer girls,” former Little Miss Logan County Sofia and
her sisters Vayda and Mabry stepped up to visit with Santa, he noted
the littlest was wearing a cap he thought might be a duck. [to top of second
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She told him beyond a doubt it was Rudolph. Santa
began immediately playing and singing the Rudolph the Red-Nose
Reindeer, and to his surprise all three girls chimed in. The entire
group of guests in the library enjoyed the performance.
Later each of the girls took their turn at trying to play the
instrument, and finally enjoyed a group photo with Santa that
included their baby brother Brigs.
Santa also shared with the kids that he doesn’t have a television at
the North Pole. He says while the winter months are long for most,
at the North Pole it is the summer months that seem long. He enjoys
spending time playing music and has several instruments. He also
likes to read books.
Across the alley in the Annex building, kids were having a good time
playing a tossing game, making crafts, and of course eating sweets.
Some took advantage of the writing station in the entry to the Annex
where a table was set up with papers, and a special mailbox for
letters to Santa.
Throughout the evening, not a tear was shed, but there were plenty
of giggles and smiles as the children enjoyed a very laid-back visit
with Saint Nick.
For those who are keeping track. Christmas Eve is just a few days
away. Santa will soon be heading back to the North Pole to get ready
for his magical night of delivering toys to good little girls and
boys (and maybe some underwear).
So, you better watch out, you better not cry, you better not
pout…we’re telling you why.
[Nila Smith]
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