The way it should be

Last Friday night was the coldest to date this winter. The Key Bank digital thermostat registered a mere 18 degrees.

Yet, at Butters Park in Norway, it was much, much warmer. Not degree-wise but spirit-wise. More than 200 gathered – children, parents, grandparents, friends. Shuffling feet in the dark, listening to the high school choir sing Christmas carols, people young and old, strangers and friends, huddled together sharing a mass body warmth for about a half an hour.

Suddenly in the far distance a faint siren could be heard. A whisper went through the group. People craned their necks and lifted children high in the air.

Santa was coming.

A few minutes later the cacophony of sirens, bells and whistles was overwhelming and there they were! The blue lights of the Norway Police car heralded the arrival of Santa and his entourage. And speaking of entourages ... the entire Norway fire department provided a colorful and loud escort for the jolly old guy.

Accompanied by Mrs. Santa, a plethora of elves and a menagerie of creatures, Santa greeted children with stuffed animal gifts, a few minutes' chat and, often, a big hug.

While this lengthened the time in the freezing temps, about which a few of us grumpuses grumbled, it was worth every chilblain.

Eventually, Santa made his way into the dark to the three spruce trees bedecked with unlit  lights but dark and forlorn. He gathered the children around him and counted to three and they all "shouted" "Merry Christmas."

A less than overwhelming response. Santa encouraging them to be much more enthusiastic and promising them the trees would light up of they were just loud enough he counted to three again. This time the children gave an enormous "Merry Christmas!"

Alas, the lights stayed dark.

Santa said "ah-ha!" and told everyone he needed his magic dust. He ran back to his sleigh, grabbed it and, shared a bit with every child.

Once again, they gathered, counted to three, shouted "Merry Christmas" and threw the dust at the trees.

They instantly blazed in colorful light and the crowd cheered.

Slowly Santa's entourage made its way back down Main Street to the fire station with everyone following.

There, he sat for a photo with every child and shared Christmas wishes.

Although cold outside, it was warm and friendly with all sorts of folks from the community sharing a moment.

What a wonderful way to start the holiday season.

We thank Santa visits Oxford, the Norway Fire Department, Norway Police, Norway Downtown, OHCHS and Norway Recreation Department. This is what community is about.

This is the way it should be.