Santa's Still Special
To most children, Santa Claus is the big, red harbinger of the Christmas season.
After the 47th annual Spirit of Christmas Parade on Nov. 19, children gathered at The Butler Eagle to visit with the Big Guy, and they all had their own thoughts about him.
Mercedes Belch, 11, of Butler comes every year to see Santa. She knows what makes Santa special.
“He's special because he kind of brings joy to every kid,” Belch said.
She said she hoped to ask Santa for a cell phone and, maybe, an X-Box video game system.
Mercedes said she considers seeing Santa a big part of the Christmas season, which she likes because it brings families together.
Serenity Ringler, 3, of Butler, Mercedes' sister, has a simpler answer to the joy of the season. “Presents,” she said. Mercedes and Serenity are the daughters of Crystal Heist.
Even at her young age, Serenity knows the importance of giving out carrots for Santa's reindeer and milk and cookies for the man in red. Why? “Because Santa likes cookies and milk,” Serenity said.
And, she knows that she has been a good girl this year.
“The best I can,” Serenity said.
Zoe Snyder, 5, of Chicora is another annual Santa visitor.
“I like taking pictures with Santa,” Zoe said.
She is the granddaughter of Melissa and Keith Snyder, who accompanied her.
Zoe enjoys asking Santa for presents, as most children do.
Snyder's brother, Isaac, 3, has his own reasons for seeing Santa.
“I get candy,” he said.
Gabby Herbert, 3, of Butler said he enjoys seeing Santa, but he had another goal in mind, too.“I want to see the choo-choo,” Gabby said.Choo-choo aside, Gabby said he knows what it sounds like when Santa's sleigh lands on the roof of his house. He also can count the number of Santa's reindeer on his fingers. He is the son of Phil and Len Herbert.Jacob Lewis, 6, of Butler said that this would be the first time he ever spoke with Santa, but he had no apprehension.“I'm not scared of anything,” said Jacob, who is the son of Kristine Lewis.Despite never coming into contact with the jolly one, Jacob said he always has believed in Santa and left him milk and cookies on Christmas Eve. He also knew all about Santa's reindeer and the job that Santa has to do every year.Jacob merely shrugged, however, when he was asked how Santa accomplishes his goals.Sydney Gilliland, 6, of Cabot said that Santa is able to keep track of his job not through computers or other technology. Rather, she said he keeps his list well organized.She is the daughter of Dean and Tracy Gilliland.Although there are many naysayers out there who do not believe in Santa, Sydney knows better.“I say he is real,” she said.
