Then & Now: Santa Claus Comes to Town!

Growing up, I never would have imagined myself in a small town. But as with most things in life, that’s not how things turned out. It’s okay, though, I think it’s a good thing that I never ended up married to Michael Jackson. It’s also a good thing that I now reside in a small town (village, actually…we’re too little to be a town).  We have great neighbors, family nearby and a ton of really cool (and free!) events for families. Each December, the village really steps it up. One Saturday in December, the entire day is devoted to Christmas celebrations, beginning with breakfast with Santa at the Fire Station.

Then: Relaxing at the Fire Station with Sophie

Then: A Super Jolly Santa and an Equally Jolly Baby!

Then: His Shirt Said it All: Bah Humbug.

Jack has attended this breakfast with his cousins each year, with mixed reactions to Santa each time. Last year, he was just 3 ½ months old, and while he wasn’t necessarily crazy about Santa, he didn’t fear him either. His cousin Kasey didn’t like him, though, so Kody had to tell Santa what each of the boys wanted for Christmas: a 4-wheeler for Kody, balloons for Kasey and a car for Jack. They must have been really good boys, because they all got what they wanted! This year, Jack was more apprehensive toward Santa, and didn’t sit on his lap. Kasey wasn’t crazy about him once again, although he did muster up the courage to ask him for a candy cane. Only time will tell if the boys were good again this year!

Now: The Future Generation of Ashaway Firefighters.

Now: Making Sure Santa Knows What to Bring!

Now: Awkward Family Photo, Anyone?

After breakfast with Santa, the activities continue with cookie decorating at the community house, which is located in a beautifully maintained old home in town. There is also a home tour, where several of the gorgeous historic homes in the village allow the public in for a small donation to the local food pantry. We missed out on that part this year (but for a good reason: a tea party at Jack’s great-aunt Patti’s!), but did make it home in time for the luminaria and fireworks! It was a gorgeous night, and Marc’s entire family met at our house to walk to the field to see the show. It was simply lovely…walking through the luminaria-lit village to view fireworks set against a full moon on a clear night. Heavenly.

Fireworks in December? Set Against a Full Moon? Yes, Please!