NBCC Woodstock Student Union, Early Childhood Education program students and staff and student volunteers host the annual family Christmas event
Santa Claus awoke from a well-needed nap on his recliner Saturday morning, Nov. 30, to the joyous sounds of Christmas carols and children’s laughter.
Hosted by the NBCC Student Union, with help from the Woodstock campus Early Childhood Education (ECE) program students, class representatives and student and staff volunteers, the annual Wake Up Santa event is geared toward family fun for Woodstock-area children and their families.
Taylor Howie, a 2018 NBCC graduate who now works for the student union, said the event is part of the Robertson Institute for Community Leadership program.
Howie explained that the student union lays the foundation for the annual event held at the NbCC Woodstock gym. It partners with the ECE program to help provide volunteers.
She added that the NBCC Woodstock student union executive and students and staff from other programs help deliver the fun, child-focused annual event.
“It’s a great opportunity for volunteerism for the students,” Howie said.
She said the annual NBCC Student Union-sponsored event began seven years ago, although it missed a few years during COVID.
Howie explained Wake Up Santa allows children to take a traditional photo with Santa with the fireplace and Christmas tree and to participate in “tons of crafts.”
From 9 a.m. to noon, the event began with the volunteers on stage to lead the arriving families with rousing renditions of Christmas songs, including Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, to awaken Santa from his slumber.
Santa and Mrs. Claus relaxed on either side of an impeccably decorated Christmas tree in their comfortable recliners. Mrs. Claus joined the singing to help wake up her husband.
With Sanda fully awake, a long line gathered as children patiently awaited their chance to sit on Santa’s lap to share their Christmas lists and pose for a photo.
Throughout the morning, children tried their hands at cookie decorating, drawing, and several other crafts, played games and enjoyed hot chocolate.
Wake Up Santa began a busy Christmas weekend in Woodstock, which included the annual Santa Claus parade late Sunday afternoon and the inaugural parade after-party hosted by Planet Youth at the Woodstock Farm and Craft Market Sunday evening.
