Santa entertains children at the Lincoln Public Library
 

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[December 12, 2022]   Thursday evening, Santa Claus enjoyed a steady stream of children and their adult counterparts stopping in to visit him in the Carnegie Building of the Lincoln Public Library.

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.

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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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