By CATHERINE ELLERTON
Moapa Valley Progress
T’was not the night before Christmas, but to be more exact, Friday, December the 12th. Yet, throughout the small village the creatures were hurrying and scurrying as they headed to the Overton Library in hopes of seeing Jolley Old St. Nick.
As they rushed through the doors what should greet them but a table loaded with goodies for all to share. There were white cakes and brown cakes and healthy cakes.
As I pondered the choices, not wanting to make a mistake, I asked 3 year old Sarah Muhlestein what part of the cake she liked the best. Her quiet response was the “frosting.” Young Julianna Brooks quickly chimed in “taking off the frosting” was the best. I agreed, grabbed a piece of cake with the yummiest frosting and headed to the Santa room.
There was a huge tree with lights all aglitter and aglow next to which was a large comfy chair for Santa. As I admired the tree, I asked young Zane Sims his favorite thing about the Christmas tree and he enthusiastically answered that it was the “lights!”
Three elves whose earthly names were April, Christina and Maggie appeared and told the animated story of “The Night Before Christmas.” Soon there were stockings hung with pride, and miniature sleighs and reindeer prancing about. Which brought a giggle of delight from 4 ½ year old McKenzie Coble as the “reindeer were her favorite thing, especially Rudolph because his nose is red and red is her favorite color!”
With a Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa appeared. As the children lined up to tell him their wishes, I heard 3 ½ year old Kashlyn Scacco ask for a “Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Bag.” Others, as they rang the sleigh bells so the reindeer could find their homes, asked for a Cinderella doll, an I-Pod, Legos and a motorcycle toy.
As the evening drew to a close and Santa, with a twinkle in his eye, rose to leave, I spied young Joey Boss watching the scene while eating a piece of cake and asked him what was his favorite thing about Christmas. With a gentle smile he said, “I loved that I get to see the people I like!”
