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. B12 Terrace Review — Wednesday, December 20, 1989

suits up:

Santa Claus is a distinctly North American phenomenon, but many of the habits now con- nected with him actually come from earlier symbolic characters in Europe. os

_by Betty Barton .

For example, the fact that Santa Claus enters the house -through the chimney developed from an old Norse legend. The Norse believed that the goddess Hertha appeared in the fireplace and brought good luck to the home, Today, in. North America, children leave cookies and milk for Santa to munch on ‘when he comes down the chimney to deliver toys and presents on Christmas Eve. And we wonder why Santa has a ro- tund physique! .- The: name Santa Claus also developed from a European source. Dutch settlers in New York called St. Nicholas Sinter Klaas, American children loved this kindly man. They called him Santa Claus. The jolly, rolly- polly Santa we know today has become a legend in North America. And, children wait im- patiently for his first appearance in December in a mail or at a school Christmas party. - In 1823; an American minister ‘and poet, Clement C. Moore, first described Santa’s fur- trimmed suit and his sleigh with reindeer. He wrote the poem “‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’’, later called ‘“‘The Night Before Christmas’’. Children today have no trouble believing that Santa Claus can carry a huge pack of toys down even the smallest chimney. This is all part of the magic of Santa Claus.

Santa. made his 1989 debut in Terrace at the Skeena Mall Dec. 2. Hundreds of children and parents gathered in the parking lot to await Santa’s arrival by helicopter. They cheered and waved as he flew over and landed on the roof. Minutes later, he was seated in his comfy chair in the mall.

One of Santa’s first visitors asked, “Why didn’t you bring your reindeer?’’ Santa was quick to explain that they’re back at the North Pole, resting up for a hard night’s flying on Christmas Eve. When interviewed after his visit in the Skeena Mall, Santa went on to say he loves this time of year as much as the children do. He enjoys working closely with the elves to build and glue and hammer the many toys and other gifts to be delivered at Christmas; he loves the chil- drens’ enthusiasm when tliey get a chance to see him or sit on his

knee. He wants everyone to know that, whether they’re

young or old, he enjoys visiting

with all his ‘kids’. And he wants - ther to come and visit him in. the Skeena Mall, even if they don’t want a photo taken. San-

ta’s there for rich and poor!

proach him. For those who are

‘face covered with a silky white:

‘Santa takes home to read -carefully. He tries to fulfill every

And, he’s very cautious and shy. So you have to make him feel comfortable when you ap-

frightened of that lovely round:

beard, Santa’s letterbox is avail- able to receive letters. These,

wish, but it isn’t always possible. Santa will be in the Skeena Mall every Friday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. until Christmas, Saturdays from 11 to 12 and 2 to 3 p.m. and Monday to Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. Santa won’t be there Christmas Eve because he’ll be returning to the North Pole to load up the sleigh and hitch up the reindeer. Santa loves visiting at Christ- mas -time.. You'll see him at many childrens’ parties, office parties and community gather- ings bringing happiness and joy to everyone. Santa sometimes charges for these special ap- pearances so that he can donate money and materials. to Juanita Hatton for her Christmas Goodie Bags which she dis- tributes to the needy. Juanita Hatton, a long-time Terrace resident, formerly ran the Golden Rule employment agency. Juanita is one of Santa’s most conscientious and hard- working helpers and so, he helps her as much as he can. Santa, in- terviewed after the recent Royal Bank kids’ Christmas party, says, ‘‘We don’t advertise that we do this. People just know. They call me or Mrs. Claus at the North Pole and if we can fit it into our busy Christmas schedule, one of us will be there.” Last Saturday morning, Santa had breakfast with children at

This E.T. Kenney Primary School Grade 1 class visited the B.C. Access Centre last week with their teacher, Darlene Davis, to adorn. the center’s Christmas tree with decorations made in class especially for the occasion. After decorating the tree, the children sang a few Woolworth. It was a wonderful Christmas songs before learning their work had earned them a special reward. Santa show- breakfast with English muffins ed up with goody bags for all. =

and jam and bacon. Each child - who wanted to, sat on Santa’s knee and told him what he/she personally wanted for Christmas and also for other members of the family and friends.

You'll see lots more of Santa throughout the Christmas season, and then, if you’re very quiet after you go to bed on Christmas Eve, you might even by lucky enough to hear him land on your roof and come down your chimney. If you don’t have a chimney, don’t worry. Santa’s magic will help him deliver your presents.

Then, once delivery is com-. pleted, Santa and the reindeer return to the North Pole. He feeds them special oats and ap- ples and hay, covers. them up with heavy, fluffy blankets and lets them sleep until they’ve fully recovered from their strenuous work on Christmas Eve. Santa and Mrs. Santa sit in front of the _fire with cups of tea and a few of the cookies you’ve left for him -and lovingly review the season.

continued on page B13.

“MONDAY: Terrace Minor Hockey é Friendship Society

Kinsmen Club. (Alternate) oo 8 - ‘Thank youl Have. a Nice day!

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