Santa's little elves have really worked hard this year, and not just in their workshop at the North Pole.

"It's a beautiful sight! It's absolutely a beautiful sight."

The community of Watson and surrounding areas got into the spirit of Christmas in a major way, Friday and Saturday.

The 86th annual Santa Claus Weekend festivities attracted many, young and old, to the many events taking place this weekend. Crafting, suppers, bake sales, sleigh rides, cookies decorating and more were some of the Christmas-themed events the community was welcome to attend.

The truly special part about the weekend, according to Chamber Committee member, librarian, and parent, Kathleen McNulty, was the joy the young "elves" brought to the senior residents at Quill Plains Lodge this year, and she enjoyed the beautiful sight of the interactions between the two generations.

McNulty says four youngsters are selected each year and range in age and grade from Kindergarten to Grade 4.

The goal is to select "holly, jolly, happy kids who do their impression of what an elf would look like", says McNulty.

This year, the special elves who won the honour of helping Santa are Logan Wilson, 5, Tyson Huiting, 8, Robyn Mcleod, 7, and Vanessa Tyacke, 5. Part of their "elf duties" included a visit to the Quill Plains Lodge on Saturday morning.

"They're the small elves that help Santa deliver oranges and happiness to all of our residents that can't get out (for Santa Days). That's a huge aspect of their day, and they spread an awful lot of cheer at Quill Plains Lodge."

McNulty says it's hard to put into words how to describe the Christmas "magic" that's felt when she observed the two age groups mingle. 

"To watch the little elves and the senior residents interact is really touching," she says. 

The children were assisted throughout the weekend by some more "senior elves", including two grade 12 students, Mercedes Robinson and Jillian Bader. Robinson says she has volunteered with Santa days for years.

"This is the first year for actually running it and planning it. I've helped out every year, probably, since Grade 6."

A movie screening, supper with Santa, and a vocal and piano Christmas carol sing-along were scheduled for the remainder of Saturday. 

McNulty also mentioned that Santa isn't able to stay for the entire supper for a very important reason: "He's got to get back to the reindeer, and get back to the North Pole."

The holiday-themed weekend will wrap up Sunday, with the Community Club of Watson hosting a "70 plus" supper catered specifically for seniors in the community.

McNulty says the town of Watson is lucky to get so much time with Santa Claus during this busy time of year.

 

"Here in Watson, we get this special treatment where Santa comes and basically spends a day and a night with us. We are very fortunate."