Here Comes Santa Claus
Jolly St. Nick has long history of Central Texas visits
By RHONDA BLACKLOCK | Contributed photos
You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout. And we all know why! ’Tis the season! Santa Claus will be making his way to Central Texas soon, and you can bet all the little girls and boys are looking forward to it! The holidays are right around the corner, and for most, it is a magical and joyous time of year. O’ Christmas tree will twinkle with lights, our halls will be decked, and gifts will be perfectly wrapped and adorned for those impatiently waiting for Christmas day to arrive.
Let’s talk about those gifts for a second. Did you ever write a letter to Santa? After all, he is the legend who brings gifts. The man in the red suit has been visiting this community for many years. He arrives before the big day to greet children and hear their wishes. There are historical records dating back to 1955, archiving visits Father Christmas has made to Temple. Those days are not over either. He will surely make his way back again this year and hopefully for years to come. Perhaps, before he does, we can walk down history’s lane and remember where Santa Claus came from.
Long ago, in a place called Myra, which is in modern-day Turkey, a man called St. Nicholas was born and lived a life of kindness and generosity. Legend says he gave all his wealth away to help the poor and the sick.
One story involves his fondness of a family with three daughters. The father was very poor and grieved that he could not pay for any of his daughters to be married. Each time the day of a daughter’s wedding neared, Nicholas would secretly drop a bag of gold down the chimney.
Nicholas is said to have helped many of his neighbors throughout his life, and during Christmas, because of his love of children, he would reward all the good children with gifts. Some years after his death, he was proclaimed Saint Nicholas. Many Christians around the world celebrate him to this day. The Dutch can be thanked for bringing him to America. Known as Sinter Klaas, the Dutch were the ones who first celebrated St. Nick in America back in the late 1700s.
As department stores became more popular, the man who is known for gift giving became a prominent marketing employee. In the early 1800s, Clement Clarke Moore penned the famous poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” This lovely image would be the founding of the man in red who we know today as Santa Claus.
Coming to town
Parents have been taking their children to many locations to visit and take photos with Santa for a long time.
On Dec. 1, Santa will make his way into Central Texas at the Cameron Christmas Parade. The event begins at 5 p.m.
On Dec. 3, Belton will have its annual Christmas on the Chisholm, where Santa will be available for visits and photographs.
Santa also stops in Killeen on Dec. 3 to greet crowds in the city’s Christmas parade downtown. It begins at 1 p.m. on Avenue C and College Street, with family activities along Avenue D downtown continuing until 8 p.m.
On Dec. 4, you can take the family to Santa at the Depot, which happens at the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum. St. Nick will also appear in the annual Temple Christmas Parade on Dec. 5, which starts at 6:30 p.m.
On Dec. 10, Temple will host A Very Special Christmas Party at Wilson Park Recreation Center from noon to 2 p.m.
As you begin preparing for this holiday season, don’t let the hustle and bustle stress you out. Rather, remember that the season is one of love, hope, kindness and generosity, all which St. Nick lived by. Take in the scenery. Put the Christmas tree up and decorate it with your loved ones, while listening to your favorite Christmas songs. Enjoy time with your family and friends while out seeing the lights and shopping for gifts around town. Slow down, smile, and spread a little cheer, because soon, Jolly Ol’ St. Nicholas will be here.
