All Pawtucket All The Time

By Ken McGill, Registrar of Voters

City of Pawtucket 

I don’t think many people know that I play Santa Clause at Christmas time. That’s right, I dress up as Santa and pass out presents at two different events. The first event is the Pawtucket Firefighters Union’s Annual Children’s Party. On a given Saturday in December myself and my sister Mary Golden, who dresses up as Mrs. Clause, drive over to the Lefoyer Club on Fountain Street to hand out the presents to the children of the firefighters. 

Both of us particularly enjoy this event because of the wonderment in the eyes of the children. When we walk in they are usually playing Jingle Bells and the children all start clapping. The children then sit in front of Santa where each of them waits anxiously for their name to be called. There are very young children, ages 6 months or younger and there are older children, about age 10, who come up to get their presents with a red face out of embarrassment. After the presents have all been handed out we stay around to allow parents to take pictures of their children with Santa and Mrs. Clause. This is the part that I like the best when you get to talk one on one with the children, asking them how good they have been all year. Some children draw you pictures and hand them to you, some children will talk you ear off and others, well, others, will run away screaming.

This is truly an event that puts you in the Christmas spirit and we look forward every year to doing it again.

The other event that I play Santa at is the Annual Christmas Party at the Mansion Nursing Home in Central Falls. The Holy Family Church of Pawtucket, at the direction of Sister Roberta, puts on the party and gifts are donated through BVCAP and Gregg’s Restaurants. Last Friday, I headed over to the Mansion, along with my Elf Ben, to bring the joy of the season to the residents. We had to wait a little while until they got set up but as we were waiting I got to interact with many of the residents who were headed to the party. One gentleman wanted to put on my suit and another women had me take a look at her toe. I obliged, but I told her she better let a nurse take a look at it because Santa is no expert in feet.

Finally, I was called down to the area where the party was taking place and approximately 45 – 50 residents had assembled. Again everyone was clapping and some of the residents were yelling out “Hi Santa!” Father Bob from Holy Family Parish broke out his guitar and we sang several Christmas Carols. Then it was time for Santa, along with Elf Ben, to personally deliver each of the residents their presents. Once again, I could see the wonderment in the eyes of most of the residents. Playing Santa is really a great Christmas gift for me and I enjoy doing it. 

On Saturday, my wife and I were talking about my playing Santa. I said to her how it’s somewhat ironic that I have two parties and they go from one extreme to the next, children to the elderly. But what I find most amazing is the reaction to Santa, at both parties; it’s the same – happiness, joy, curiosity and surprise. I guess Santa transcends all ages and how blessed am I to have witnessed that first hand.

So as we celebrate Christmas this very week I urge all of you to take the time to find your true meaning of the holiday for I see Christmas in the eyes of all those I have been able to play Santa for. That is why Santa and Christmas will always be part of – Pawtucket – Your Hometown.

Merry Christmas to All!  Ho,Ho, Ho. 

-           Until next week.