SHELBY — Most children approach Santa with a hefty wishlist, but Emerie Benedict was determined to give Santa something special during his visit to Shelby on Saturday morning.
Benedict, 4, wore a bright red Christmas dress she picked out for the occasion and handed Santa a homemade Christmas card, with “Merry Christmas” spelled out in bright, glittery letters.
Kris Kringle took a brief break from his Christmas preparations at the North Pole to greet children and their families at the YMCA.
Benedict also asked Santa for a talking doll, but said giving him the card was her favorite part of the visit.
“I think it’s very special that he got to be here still. She was super excited to see him,” said Jami Detillion, Benedict’s mother.
The Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru was a slight adaptation of the Y’s annual Breakfast with Santa. Santa stood outside to wave at children and their families, while Y staff members collected letters for Santa and handed out to-go style breakfasts and with holiday craft supplies.
“We wanted to offer something to the community, really give them the chance to get out and enjoy the spirit of Christmas and the holidays,” said Shane Myers, senior program director at the Shelby YMCA. “I think especially given the last year or so with COVID, people are appreciative of any kind of normalcy.”
“We were worried this year that we weren’t going to be able to see him anywhere because of COVID and the social distancing,” said Joshua Loveland, whose son stood a couple feet from Santa while getting his picture taken. “I explained to him last night that even up at the North Pole, the elves are on social distancing and wearing masks.”
Reneta Music, an instructor and personal trainer at Shelby and Mansfield YMCAs, said events like Saturday’s are her favorite part of the job.
“I like giving to people. I like to see the smiles on their face and how excited they get and just making somebody’s day better,” she said. “The kids are smiling ear to ear.”
That was certainly the case for 5-year-old Paige Sampson, who shyly tiptoed up to Santa for a picture. Sampson could hardly contain her excitement as she talked with Santa, asking him for anything that had to do with unicorns.
Santa said he was happy to be able to meet with the kids. He encouraged them to stay positive during the unconventional holiday season.
“I think they need to know that this year Christmas is going to be kind of difficult, but next year is going to be fantastic,” he said. “So just keep your chin up and keep going.”
