Families Can Avoid Lines, Have A More Joyful Visit To Santa

With so many children clutching Christmas lists and packing lines to visit Santa Claus at popular malls, a kid might think he doesn’t stand a chance of being remembered and of getting his heart’s desire. Parents are so frazzled after being bombarded with advertising messages during the long wait, they might not overhear that gift list to lend St. Nick a hand. The Village of Glenwood is extending help of another kind - creating a visit that is centered on Christmas, Santa and the children themselves.

Friday, December 5th, Santa Claus will be visiting the John H. Blakey Senior Center for Christmas in the Park. From 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, children can speak with Santa and get a free professional portrait with Kris Kringle himself, all in a family-friendly, low-key atmosphere that will keep the littlest tots smiling.

“This is a happy but easy-going visit to Santa. We have things for the kids to do with parents and grandparents while they wait. If you have a reluctant child who’s not too sure about visiting Santa, this is the perfect atmosphere,” said Katie Schranz, Park Program Coordinator. The Center will be festooned with ornaments and festively decorated for the holidays, cheerful music will fill the air, and best of all, the indoor temperature will be just perfect.

Children of all ages will receive a merry gift from Santa himself, filled with goodies. Parents, grandparents and kids alike will enjoy free hot chocolate while they color a variety of keepsake holiday pictures. Families can spare their own homes of a sticky mess and decorate Glenwood’s holiday cookies with frosting, sprinkles and sparkles at the Center. “We’re not responsible for the amount of sugar the kids might load on those cookies,” laughed Schranz.

The John H. Blakey Senior Center is located at 1 South Rebecca Street in Glenwood. The Village Hall is located at One Asselborn Way in Glenwood. For more information, contact Katie Schranz at 708-757-2318 or kschranz@villageofglenwood.com