Santa visits Hartsville
He is making a list and checking it twice. He is gonna find out who is naughty or nice…and last Saturday, he made the rounds in Hartsville to double check his list and visit with local children of all ages.
He started his trip in Trousdale as the guest of honor at the second annual Breakfast with Santa event sponsored by Trousdale Cares at Creekbank.
"I love the kids. They are so excited," said Amanda Beasley, organizer of the breakfast. "You can just tell they are just having a big time.
"More families can get together and have a fun moment making memories of their own. Some kids don't get to see Santa, and this gives every kid the opporitunity to see him."
Santa made sure to stop at every table and talk with the families that attended; surprising one child as she finished her pancakes.
"It kind of scared us when he came out, because he was like, 'Ho! Ho! Ho!'" He creepied us out…I didn't know what happened," said Lexus Atwood, 9, with a smile.
While Elf on Shelf was a popular request this year with several of the children, others only wanted to speak to the big man himself.
"It's a big secret, but the two things that I can say…a BB gun and a go cart," commented Kyler Creasy, 6.
Lily Haynes, 8, however, was not shy to tell people what she would be asking Santa.
"I want to ask Santa for a new Barbie doll house and a Lego Mia House."
Some wondered if they would make the good list this year.
"He said he wasn't going to get anything because he has been too mean this year," said Carla Haynes about her son, Luke Haynes, 11.
Willa Hire, mother of Sierra, 8, and Autumn, 10, added with a laugh, "They have been looking forward to telling him everything they want, and how bad each other has been."
As Santa visited at Creekbank, around 20 children across town got ready for the inaugural indoor Christmas parade that was being held at the Trousdale Senior Living Center.
Decked out as mini-Santas, carolers, and elves, and riding or driving power wheels, wagons and bicycles, the children entertained the residents as they made their way through the assisted living facility.
"The residents have been real excited about watching the children, and of course, children here always put bright smiles on everyone's face," Administrator Janie Oldham said. "I have been really pleased with the turnout."
Activities Director Danita Morgan added, "I think the residents really enjoyed it. For our first year, it turned out really good."
Hearing about the fun that was going on at the center, Santa soon arrived to the delight of the parade participates, parents and residents.
Santa hung out and greeted the children, as residents visited with family and discussed the floats.
After the events, this reporter took a few minutes of Santa's time to ask the tough questions about elves, weather and of course, if the majority of Trousdale kids would be making the naughty or good list this year.
He did admit that he was slightly concerned about the warm weather that Trousdale was experiencing lately.
"It's been too warm. My reindeer got hot getting here," said Santa. "Old Rudolph's nose wasn't even red.
"It wasn't cold enough for his nose to get red, but it's going to get better. By Christmas time, maybe, there will be a foot of snow, and then make it easy on them. Only trouble with snow like that, though…it's cold. Smoke will be going up those chimneys, and I have a hard time with those chimneys.
Concerning elves, Santa admitted they did the real work.
"I got all my elves doing the work. I don't do much but watch 'em. I ain't no count for nothing, but to bring these toys to the kids."
And the most important question?
Well, Santa laughed all over and with a twinkle in his eye, Santa said, "They are all kids. They stretch things a little bit, but you know they are all alright."
Managing Editor Marie Corhern can be reached at 615-779-3133 or at thevidette@bellsouth.net