Santa Claus on Saturday, December 6, began checking his list of girls and boys he will visit on Christmas Eve. Children rushed to see him as he strolled through Sandy Hook Center during the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity’s (SHOP) 13th Annual Sandy Hook Village Holiday Tree Lighting. Three-year-old Charlie Jeltema turned a shy face toward the white-bearded old elf dressed in a bright red suit. Santa leaned down to smile at him.

Despite Saturday’s rain, an artificial snowfall spilling from the Sandy Hook Hair Company’s doorway beckoned revelers inside where owner Bonnie Fredericks offered a buffet and cocktails. Joining the fun were friends Camille Paradis and Alexa Unger, who took a moment for a photo with Santa. In another room, Rudolph (Sam Camden in face paint) watched through a window as guests slowly arrived. Behind him was Danielle Fredericks, who was adding face paint to Amy Belval, who soon wore a snowman and decorated tree on her cheeks. Friends Sara Frascatore and Kamdynn Moroney were painted as Reindeer. 

Bringing sounds of the season to the evening were Newtown High School Wind Ensemble members Ian Shull, Jillian Milano, Quinlan Hart, and Nick Randle. They took turns with carolers to bring a hint of the season to Sandy Hook.

Although just a small crowd huddled in doorways as rain continued, more guests appeared, carrying umbrellas and waiting for two trees to light. A newer tree planted and lit for the first time last year at 2 Riverside Road is strung with green and white LED lights. Across the street on The Glen, 2 Washington Avenue, is the tree traditionally lit to throw its rainbow of holiday colors across Sandy Hook. Joining the growing number of people appearing on the sidewalks as 6:30 pm approached were some of the many children who hoped they would win the raffle to throw the switch lighting the trees this year. All attendees were encouraged to bring an item for FAITH Food Pantry. Food donations this year enrolled the participant in the raffle. Jacob Walters held the winning ticket, number 552.

Adding another new twist was a mailbox welcoming children’s handwritten letters to Santa. The box will be at PJ’s Laundromat through Monday morning, December 15. PJs is located at 110 Church Hill Road in the back of a parking lot with its entrance at 100 Church Hill Road. As the tree lighting drew nearer, Sara Heinen and her mother Brooke stopped to say hello to Santa. And spinning her umbrella in the rain and “snow” was Abby Stites, who strolled closer to the corner and waited with others to bask briefly in the trees’ light.