
By Bob Baker
Although Christmas is still weeks away, that won’t stop Santa Claus from spreading holiday cheer early in our Spanish Village by the Sea. It also gives me a chance to try out some Holiday riddles.
- What do you get when Santa slips and hits the fire in the fireplace?
- Why can’t Frosty live in the middle of the ocean?
- What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
- Why does Santa go down the chimney?
The fun starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 5, when Santa arrives at the Community Center. He’ll be at “Santa’s Village by the Sea” where snow is piled high just like a “real” winter day. Not quite like my childhood winters in Pittsburgh, but just enough. The kids will love sledding down a snow hill, cookie decorating, games, visiting with Santa, face painting, holiday movies with popcorn, hot cocoa and more.
At the corner of Avenida Del Mar and Calle Seville you can listen to the carolers sing. Then join me at the city’s holiday tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. One lucky child’s name will be selected to light the City Christmas Tree. Parents, be sure to visit the booth next to the snow hill between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and fill out an entry form for your children (up to 12 years old) so they can get the chance to have their name drawn to light up our tree.
Afterward, around 5:30 p.m., walk alongside the Bell Choir to the Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens for more holiday cheer (free admission) until 7:30 p.m. Cookies and hot cocoa will be available for everyone to enjoy along with live holiday entertainment. Here, children can make a holiday craft and write letters to Santa. In case you missed him at the Community Center, Santa will also be at the Casa Romantica to take more photos and collect the children’s wish lists.
As you fill those Christmas wish lists, think about staying in San Clemente and shopping local. You’ll save yourself the stress of traffic, the cost of gas and support your city. Having lived in San Clemente for 25 years, I can remember a time when it was necessary to leave town to shop, especially at Christmastime. That’s not the case today. You can fill any Christmas wish list without leaving town because it is safe to say there is something here for everyone.
Best holiday wishes from the Baker family to your family this season!
From Bob, Pam, Nicholaus, Emily, and Keoni
Answers to riddles: 1. Crisp Kringle 2. Because s’now-man is an island 3. Snow Flakes 4. Because it “soots” him.
Bob Baker was selected as the Mayor of the city of San Clemente on Dec. 1.
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