There was a flurry of activity at the North Pole this past week, as elves scurried to finish wrapping all the presents. Tonight they will start loading up the sleigh that travels magically all across the globe.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus have been kept busy working out last minute details for the journey and taking a final look at the Naughty or Nice list.
Meanwhile children cannot wait to get out of school early this Friday, Dec. 22, as their excitement level rises each day awaiting the arrival of the jolly old soul at their homes throughout South Jersey.
On Saturday, Dec. 16, Santa and his wife were able to make a quick journey to Princeton Avenue in Gloucester City to give youngsters one more chance to let him know what they would like this year and get their photos taken.
For 10 hours, parents and children streamed into the North Pole created by the Dolson family, complete with Santa sitting in a big chair, Mrs. Claus welcoming the children, and artificial snow coming from an antique truck driven by the Grinch.
Families were encouraged to bring a camera or phone to take free pictures with Santa and to donate an unwrapped toy for the Santa Helpers of Gloucester City.
The cast of the Dolson Family event included Rich (Santa Claus), Cindy (Mrs. Claus), Justice (the Grinch), and the elves – Bernard “Junior” Dolson, Brittney Canning and Tiffany Becker.
The first three youngsters to sit on Santa’s lap were Cole Becker, Bryce Becker and Jaxson Canning.
“This is a great family effort. We wanted to give back to the community this Christmas,” Mrs. Claus said.
The Gloucester City News wishes all it readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays this year, and a productive and healthy 2024.