Santa will host virtual story time for local kids
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and nothing makes the season feel jollier than a visit from good old Santa Claus.
Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, Santa is going to be limiting his home visits this year, but with the help of the Vacaville Parks & Recreation Department, Saint Nick is still going to be bringing some of that Christmas joy — albeit virtually.
The Parks & Rec Department is hosting “Storytime with Santa,” a series that will allow Mr. Claus to read to the good boys and girls of Vacaville over the phone or through Zoom after their parents register for a slot in advance.
Recreation Coordinator Kristin Milliken said the Parks Department traditionally has Santa visit the homes of families who registered ahead of time. However, because of COVID, Santa will not be able to visit people’s homes before Christmas.
Despite all that, Milliken wanted to make sure the youth of Vacaville have a memorable Christmas experience.
“I still wanted to have that holiday spirit of giving and having the ‘Christmas Carol’ be that overarching theme and making sure that Santa can still visit the children via Zoom or phone call,” she said. “I just wanted to keep that Christmas spirit alive.”
Parents can register for a storytime session at the city of Vacaville website. From there, they may choose between a 20-minute phone call or a Zoom meeting, all of which are scheduled between Dec. 14 and 18.
During the sessions, kids and their parents will be treated to a personalized video from one of Santa’s elves who will lay down some ground rules — such as remaining quiet and having parents present — and introduce Santa. From there, a pre-recorded video will play of Santa reading “Ben’s Christmas Carol” by Toby Forward. This 1996 retelling of the Charles Dickens classic recasts Ebenezer Scrooge as a mouse named Ben, still a miser who despises Christmas until he is visited by three ghosts prompting him to change his negative outlook on life.
A timeless tale such as “A Christmas Carol” was a natural choice for the Storytime sessions, as Milliken said it was a reminder for the community to give back to one another. She said it was all a matter of finding a version that appealed to children.
“I didn’t want it to be scary,” she said. “I wanted it to be friendly. The language was too advanced or not very nice (in other adaptations).”
With the help of Kristen Murray and Delilah Wilson at the Town Square Library, Milliken was able to settle on “Ben’s Christmas Carol,” which she felt was appropriate for the targeted age range of 3 to 8.
“The book is catering exactly to what I’m looking for,” she said.
At the end of the video or call. the elf will thank the kids for their participation and tell them he hopes to see them in person next year.
All registrants will receive $ 3 store credit at Bounty Books to encourage kids to continue reading. They also will be entered into a chance to win a Christmas dinner courtesy of Nugget Markets. The prepared meal consists of a fully cooked turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, a green bean casserole, yams, butter and egg dinner rolls, and cranberry orange relish. Dietary restrictions will not be accommodated. The winner will be called prior to Dec. 16, and the meals may be picked up at Nugget any day between Dec. 21 and 31, except Christmas Day. Nugget is located at 130 Browns Valley Parkway.
Milliken hopes kids will come away with a sense of hope in this trying year after hearing the story.
“There’s still the Christmas spirit,” she said. “There’s still people looking after them and giving back to the community.”
Moreover, Milliken hopes kids will “give back to the community and be nice to each other.”
Parents can register for “Storytime with Santa” at se-cure.rec1.com/CA/vacaville-ca/catalog/index/f12c165565d8a5f47d310c0f13a747bd?filter=c2VhcmNoPXN0b3J5dGltZQ. All sessions are $20 and can not be rescheduled if missed. Reminders will be sent the Friday before. Space is limited. For more information, call 469-6694.