Originally published at Orange County Catholic
IN A COURTYARD FESTIVELY hung with garland and lights, St. Nicholas Day was celebrated with songs, stories and a surprise visit by a famous man of the same name: Santa Claus.
St. Joseph Catholic School in Placentia celebrated its sixth annual Christmas Tree Lighting event on Dec. 6 with student performances, a story reading by Santa Claus, hot cocoa and candy canes.
“I’m super excited about tonight,” said Principal Amanda Hawley. “I think it’s the perfect way to start the Advent season and bring Christmas spirit to our school. We are always looking for ways to bring the community together that isn’t necessarily a fundraiser or where people have to spend money. We want them to come together and enjoy the time.”
The momentous visit from the North Pole’s most famous resident was met with a mob of the littlest children trying to hug him. Karissa Vazquez’ son was one of them, excited by the jolly man in the red suit.
“He was jumping up and down and just that little twinkle; that’s exactly why we’re here and that’s why we love this time of year,” Vazquez said. “He was so excited. I don’t think he knew Santa was going
