Creating Christmas Memories

This morning started out with us just going with JD to get his hair cut and then going to see Santa. I decided to check out the local paper online before we left though and seen that the Firefighters collecting toys for our town needed more help. Usually the town has about 400 kids but this year they had 700 kids, and they needed about 400 more toys along with wrapping paper and tape. I mentioned this to JD before we left and we decided to buy some toys today along with some gift wrap and tape for them. It was hard to explain to the kids why we needed to do this; they understand the stocking for the soldiers a lot better.

As JD got his hair cut we went into a local store and was browsing the girls’ toy section when an elderly man, appeared to be in his mid to late 70s, came up to me. He said he didn’t know what to buy for a little girl and I told him oh you can’t go wrong with them. They like anything pretty. He then told me he was there to buy for the Fire fighters and started to get all choked up on me and had to look away. I told JD he didn’t look like he had much himself and was so upset that he couldn’t buy for all the kids. We walked through out the toy aisles picking out girls, boys, and baby gifts together. After each toy he picked up he would say is this ok? It was really very sweet, as we made our way to the front I grabbed some wrapping paper and tape, he said he didn’t think he could help them out that way, I told him that was ok he had already brightened someone’s Christmas. We checked out and then placed all our gifts in the collection box. I wish there was more that we could do as well, it’s just all very sad.


We then headed over to where Santa would be and I wondered if Roo would say something to him about the kids we just bought for, but she got lost in the magic of him.


There was a seat beside him open and she had to be next to him. He drew pictures with the kids and for the kids, along with telling stories. He was so patient with them and would give out that loving laugh to them.


Isaiah made his way over to him and gave him the paper he had colored for him, Santa asked him what he would like for Christmas and what picture would he like to be drawn.


Isaiah’s answer was “Santa”


Roo then made her way up to him and told him she would like one of his reindeers and Santa told her he would also draw her a helper in the picture. The elf always stands with his arms behind his back he would go on to say.


Here are their pictures that he made for them.


Here is their picture with Santa


After that we headed out to catch a carriage ride, we had to wait awhile before they made their way down the road.


The driver was very nice and the kids seemed to have a good time as well, although it was cold.


We also passed some kids Christmas caroling around the village, they also had teenagers doing the same but they were kinda too busy giggling and talking for singing it seemed : )


Here the kids are petting Tim bye.

Today was a very good day and one that hopefully holds fond memories for the kids. Tomorrow I’m hoping to work on the school’s Christmas ornaments.