With St. Nick during photos with Santa on Dec. 7 at the Monroe library were members of the event sponsor, Williamstown Sunrise Rotary Club.
Next week on Christmas morning, children full of excitement and eyes dazzled by the tree – will unwrap their gifts from Santa Claus, continuing a tradition in many parts of the world started in the third century by St. Nicholas of Myra.
An early Christian bishop, St. Nick was a legend in his own time for his secret gift giving and is credited for giving rise to the folklore of Santa Claus around the world. In England, the children call Santa Claus “Father Christmas.” In Ireland, they say “Daida na Nollag” (Gaelic for Daddy of Christmas), while across the channel in France, he is known as “Pere Noel” (Father Christmas).
Japanese children call Santa “Hotei” – a jolly, gift giving deity with a large belly – and Chinese youngsters say “Shengdan Laoren” which is Mandarin for Christmas Old Man. In Norway he is “Julenissen,” a Christmas gnome and in South Africa, the North Pole resident is known as “Sinter Klaas.”
On a cold, sunny Dec. 7, hundreds of Gloucester County children lined up at the Monroe library to meet Santa Claus and tell him the three things they want to see under the tree.
“This is our third annual photos with Santa,” said John Pettit, past president of the Williamstown Sunrise Rotary Club, which sponsors the free public session. “It is our opportunity to give back to the community. The families get a free picture and enjoy snacks and hot chocolate.”
“I love seeing the little kids,” noted Rotarian Roxanne DiJosie, adding that the children were lined up waiting for the library event to start at noon. “They get all excited.”
“It is our chance to interact with the public,” explained Justin LoMonaco, the Rotary president who has helped organized the photos for all of its three years.
Library director and club secretary Samantha Snyder was busy getting everything ready for the photos from the small kitchen in the club’s library headquarters and helped distribute hot chocolate along with president-elect Vince Quarrenta and members Dave Debreceni and Kevin Goldsmith.
Serving snacks and talking to the children were members of the Williamstown High School Interact Club, including advisor Anastasia Bass and students Asante Ennis, Madison Livingston and Allison Quinn.
“I love seeing the kids.” Livingston said as she handed out candy canes to everyone. “They are so sweet.”
Families donated unwrapped gifts for the Toys for Tots program as they walked into the club’s meeting room. The highlight of the event was watching the children’s faces light up as they approached Santa, aka “Santa Bill Kringle” and Bill Carle.
“It is wonderful to bring joy and happiness to all the children,” noted Mr. Kringle, who enjoyed his first year portraying the jolly old resident of the North Pole. “I am grateful to the Rotary club for this event and all they do.
“I learned from Santa Paul of Mullica Hill,” Mr. Kringle added. “He mentored me starting in August. It’s a true moment of happiness when I see the children and their parents smile.”
For information, or to join the Rotary Club, go to wsrrotary@gmail.com.
