By Catherine Ellerton

Moapa Valley Progress

Jolly Old St. Nick is surrounded by love and delight of the children – some young, some not so young – who attended the recent Moapa Valley Library Christmas Open House. Photo by Catherine Ellerton.

The Moapa Valley Library in Overton held its annual Christmas Open House on Friday, December 16. Librarian April Heath her assistants Christina Earon, Martha Ham, Naomi Harris, Korey Johnson and Maggie McMurray opened the doors and welcomed the community to the event.

I enthusiastically hurried to the event as I was sure Jolly St. Nick would be found. After all – the Library has books and movies, computers and computer classes, summer reading programs, an adult book club and even a knitting and crotchet club, they would surely have the jolly old elf!

After a quick stop at the Christmas Ornament craft table, I loaded up on goodies and headed for the library’s Storybook Room.

A very clever reading of “The Night Before Christmas” included an animated set provided by Library elves to the delight of those present.

Then, at the end, who should appear? Yes! Finally! Santa himself!

Over the squeals of joy and laughter and love from the children, one could hear the sentiment “I LOVE this time of year!”

Soon the children were lined up and heading to Santa to discuss all kinds of possibilities. But first, Santa had each child ring some sleigh bells so the reindeer would be able to find their house. Each child received a colorful Christmas sticker after leaving Santa who had advised them to write a list and send it to him.

Wandering through the throng of excited children, I ran into Sarah and Laura Adams who told me they had been at the North Pole! Wow! How Cool is that! Of course, it was North Pole, ALASKA, but, still, after all, it was a NORTH POLE!

I stood watching the children’s joy, and some small one’s anguish, at visiting with Santa. Amid all the hubbub and joy, a small girl shyly approached Santa. She held out her hand and in it was a gift for Santa! A special drawing she had done just for him.

Thank you 4 year old Madison Roberts for restoring my belief in the Season.