This year, Santa and Mrs. Claus made an early appearance at The Walks to the great delight of many local children. On November 3 and 4, 2023, the Jolly Old Elf, along with his better half, welcomed 45 children and their parents. Each session began with a reading of The Polar Express written by Chris Van Allsburg. The children got a ticket to Believe to ride the train while enjoying hot chocolate and sweet candy canes and marshmallows. Then they got to help decorate our tree, mix potpourri, and make pinecone tree or wreath ornaments. Each child had the opportunity to meet Santa and share his or her special wishes for Christmas. We ended with Santa treating everyone to a reading of “The Night Before Christmas”.
If you would like to enjoy some of what the children experienced, you can make your own Christmas potpourri using the following recipe.
Christmas Potpourri Recipe:
Mix the following ingredients in a large bowl.
Use as much or as little of each as you like:
Bay Leaves
Lavender
Dried oranges, lemons, and limes
Cinnamon sticks
Cloves
Star anise
Dried mint leaves
