SANTA ARRIVES AT THE SNOWFLAKE CASTLE

This is prime time for Santa to get out and be seen around town...there is some North Pole magic involved obviously, since he always finds a way to be in hundreds of different places simultaneously!

I caught up with him recently in Westerville.  He thrilled many tiny visitors with this year’s pre-gift delivery appearance at the Snowflake Castle, where he arrived accompanied by his number one assistant Mrs. Clause! These honorary guests sat and listened. Lists got finalized, to assure the requests of little boys and girls will be filled accurately on Christmas morning!

No matter how busy Santa is in the weeks before Christmas, he has kindly made good on the special invitation from folks at the Westerville Senior Center, who volunteer and have made this event happen each of the past 28 years.

New arrangements for the Snowflake Castle made this year even more ideally suitable for Santa to spend time visiting.

This year the Snowflake Castle event moved to the Everal Barn.  The fully restored historic barn facility provided more spacious room to spread out the cheerful activities.  Numerous instructor elves were on-hand engaging kids in hands-on ho ho holiday toy making.

The makeshift Santa workshop was equipped with wooden pieces and parts that were drilled and glued together by little hands assisted by big helpful hands.  Once a child’s selection was determined, they sat down and got to work right away fastening the wheels on toy trains, arms on teddy bears and turrets on castles.


There were plenty of safety goggles to suit up for the work; these gave groups of girls and boys the giggles, but, also taught important lessons by helping them learn about the need for wearing protective eye wear.  All the precautions I observed made perfect sense and successfully prevented flying sliver accidents while the woodworking was in progress.

Paints and painting smocks were stationed nearby.  Once all the wood pieces were put together, including, twisted pipe cleaners that were attached to look like steam rising from the choo choo trains, the toys took on their final treasured forms.  All the tots and their toy creations moved on and began applying their finishing artistic touches. Then the toys, wet to the touch with gobs of washable paint, were carefully bagged up and hands were washed off by another group of friendly volunteer elves!

Working one-on-one with this group of jolly makers makes the Snowflake Castle a very enriching event to share with your family.  My fourteen month old granddaughter was overjoyed that she could wield the hammer while making her very own wooden toy; she dug in and began splashing & splattering the paint with her fingers (She determined it was more fun to use the paint brush like a magic wand and I think she was imagining herself at the REAL North Pole  while she was waving it at the toys!).   It was almost as good as Christmas morning when we were handed the bag with her name on it with the precious gift she got to take home, featuring her own unique designs.

That was just one of the things we got to enjoy here. We strolled through the Homestead and that prompted a spontaneous game of run and catch; she chased a huge flock of geese sunning by the park’s ponds. 

We spent time outside winding down some energy, enjoying the reindeer scenery and other outdoor decorations before finishing our Snowflake Castle experience with one final highlight; I.e., we concluded the day’s events with a special visitation on Santa and Mrs. Claus’s lap! 

This cheery couple was comfortably seated in the old carriage house, which was decorated extra nice. The man in the red suit will no doubt reward the nice people who put this all together!  

There was a calming voice, something quite soothing to hear that was coming from the corner of this setting. No one was rushing and no hustle and bustle penetrated this atmosphere.  It was just perfect for each child to have ample time for an undisturbed conversation outlining the most desired items they wished Santa to bring down their chimneys this year. 

Whoever decided it would be good to allow for a quiet sit down with the Big Guy, separate from the celebratory noise in the workshop where all the other activities were underway, is a genius.  Parents, in my case a set of grandparent ears were tuned in and listening.  We heard every detail of the dialogue detailing what to get for that December 25^th delivery that will have some of our offspring convinced that Santa came through and is for real! 

There was a great turn out during the week long holiday fun of the Snowflake Castle. Hours of volunteer time took dedication and it was well worth it for guests. Those who plot all of the well-organized details know the payoff is the opportunity to watch children enjoy the special seasonal treatment provided by these offerings.  Additionally, a special craft group which prepared all the festive crafts and yummy candy that was sold during the Snowflake Castle program raised funds to gift back to the Westerville Senior Association for all their help in making these days before Christmas so much fun in Westerville every year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I believe in being a contributing member of society. My professional contributions are presently varied; assisting clients with real estate buying and selling transactions, as well as, performing current property value appraisals for the Delaware County Sheriff. I teach & enjoy exercise and I am a professionally certified fitness instructor at the Westerville Rec Center; I also love to write and blog! My goal is to continue making productive use of my former journalism background and public service skill by remaining active in the community. Prior expertise in zoning & development was gained working in local government. I wish to remain active in the planning arena for the rest of my life! I am always expanding on the knowledge I offer & always ready to put any of my professional skills to work for a new good cause. If you need dependable assistance- call me. I am available to be put to work immediately, so, please, feel free to get in touch with me at your earliest convenience! For Real Estate Help or Otherwise...call me. I look forward to joining you and taking care of delegated project needs. Thanks.
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