December 18, 2002

Santa Claus chows down with children

Families attend Pancakes with Santa at Grand Traverse Heritage Center
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer

      Cuddling on Santa's lap, affirming that you've been good and asking for your heart's desire is a childhood rite of passage.
      The Pancakes with Santa Benefit Saturday morning drew 120 children and their families to the Grand Traverse Heritage Center to make these family memories. Each child in turn got a hug and a snuggle, plus a chance to whisper wanted treasures directly into Santa's ear.
      "I want a pirate ship with a captain, some pirates and a Playmobil airplane," said David Stone, 6, flashing a gap-toothed grin. "And my two front teeth."
      David's father, Greg, has made an annual trip to Santa a family tradition, dating back to previous years' Breakfasts with Santa held at the City Opera House. As the birthdays add up, however, he knows that there may only be a few years left to share these moments with his son.
      "Sooner or later he'll be saying, 'I don't want to do that stuff,' so I'm taking advantage of it while I can," Greg Stone said.
      Downing a hearty breakfast during one of two morning seatings, children of all ages waited their turn with Santa. Some balked when the big moment finally came, sprouting tears and shyness that their parents and Santa worked to turn into smiles. Others eagerly returned for a second or third visit, relishing the quiet attention Santa gave to their wishes.
      Taking time from his busy North Pole workshop, Santa made sure to tell each child he knew they had been good as he noted their requests.
      "Trains were a big thing, and dollhouses," Santa said. "No guns, though, the kids wanted non-violent toys that they could create with."
      "There were some toys I've never heard of," he noted, referring to some of the video or electronic game requests.
      When it comes to making a list and checking it twice, sometimes even the best of plans go awry. But a forgotten list did not dampen Nick Kester's spirits, who managed to remember most of his hoped-for toys during his chat with Santa.
      "Number one is a GameCube and I'd like an Xbox," said Kester, 6, of Cedar. "A new sled, because my old one hit a tree and cracked."
      In addition to visiting with Santa, attendees at the breakfast colored frames for their photo with Santa. Afterward, they could tour the Con Foster Museum and watch demonstrations from the Textiles in Time exhibit.
      Members of the Great Lakes Children's Museum brought a weather exhibit and some water-related activities for children. Kids gleefully made and floated origami boats and played sink the iceberg with oversized washers and large ice cubes.
      "I liked the Children's Museum being incorporated," said Sherry Fenton of Traverse City, who attended with her husband, Bob, and two young children. "The kids really enjoyed the crafts and it was a good mix, adding another element that was kind of nice."
      The Pancakes with Santa Benefit garnered $720 before expenses for the Heritage Center. More important than the dollars coming in were the good memories going home with the families who came.
      "This is what it's all about, having fun at the Heritage Center," noted Peg Jonkhoff, member of the board and volunteer photographer for the morning.