Ho, ho, ho

Santa stops by during the annual Homer Holiday Tree lighting

By Charlie Menke • December 7, 2022 1:30 am

Santa is extraordinarily busy during this time of the year, with gifts still to be wrapped and letters to be read! Somehow, however, with a bit of Christmas magic he was able to stop by our small town of Homer to greet children and listen to wishes on Thursday night.

The preparation for Santa’s arrival took place at the Homer Chamber of Commerce, where cupcakes and hot chocolate were provided, the Homer High School Choir sang festive tunes and a special drop-box for letters to the North Pole was available.

Many families crowded around Santa’s sleigh waiting for the jolly man to arrive. Before he came, Homer City Council Member Jason Davis performed the honor of lighting up a huge spruce tree which is decked out in glimmering, colorful bulbs. A few gasps of awe were heard as the tree came to life.

Luckily, there was also a special letter box within the Chamber’s building for kids to drop off their letters to Santa at his main workshop in the North Pole. Kids excitedly slipped in their letters with great care, hoping for and anticipating Santa’s reaction as he read their wishes and notes.

At last, the moment came that everyone was waiting for. A honking horn could be heard as Santa’s temporary transportation, kindly provided and decorated by the Homer Volunteer Fire Department, came rolling up the street.

The long line of families and children was fixated on the fire truck as it arrived, and everyone stared in delight as the door opened with Santa’s smiling face behind it. He trotted to his sleigh, which he had parked earlier in the day, and sat down to welcome children to a conversation.

Kids of all ages were eager to get a chance to talk to the magical man and tell him their thoughts. With each, Santa sat, gentle and patient, listening and planning his gifts for this Christmas.