Santa Claus

Sing-along, crafts and learning about other cultures across globe highlight annual event.Holiday Night at the Library on Tuesday brought in a crowd of some 150 children and parents for an evening of fun and games -- and a little bit of education. To kick off the event, kids were treated to a multicultural performance by Georgette Baker, a professional entertainer who spoke and sang, in five different languages, of the ways people celebrate around the world. With guitar in hand, Baker moved in and out of costumes as freely as she moved between cultures.

Benny Preston, the official Santa Claus at the 18th annual Winter Fantasy, feels extra pressure this year to keep the spirit of Jolly Old St. Nicholas alive and well. After recently learning the tragic story of a fellow Santa in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Preston is reaching out to his Santa colleagues across the nation to help support a struggling family that not only lost their very own Santa, but a family member as well. 11-year-old Margie Edwards lost her stepfather, Bobby Reed, in August in a tragic shooing during a family dispute, and without knowing it, young Edwards lost her annual visit from Santa, too. As Santa, Reed worked a very busy holiday season taking time out each year to make sure he visited his stepdaughter, the only one left of her friends who still believed in Santa.

OK, go for it. This past week has been the time to throw up the red and green and saturate the home and garden with the spirit of the season. Some of you started a little early, but since the draw of the comforting feeling of Christmas can be so tempting you're forgiven. Besides, it's the forgiving time of year. The palettes are up, the Sawdust Winter Fantasy is at full blast and the white lights are strung all throughout Downtown, providing an amazing sense of joy by just walking down the street.

Santa Claus is coming to town - and this time he's singing. Kris Kringle hits the Orange County Market Place at the Orange County Fairgrounds Dec. 1 and 2, and Dec. 8 and 9. Each day, he'll arrive at the swap meet singing, before leading sing-a-longs and, of course, posing for photos and listen to wishes. Santa's hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, a press release said. Dennis Skiles, a Fullerton Kenny Rogers tribute artist, will be Santa.

Woman?s Club hosts silent auction, luncheon The Woman?s Club of Laguna Beach?s Tarnished Treasures and Silent Auction Luncheon will take place at 11 a.m. Dec. 4 at the clubhouse, 286 St. Ann?s Drive. The annual event features jewelry, collectibles, artwork and other treasures at bargain prices, plus silent auction items including gift certificates from local merchants, Pageant of the Masters tickets and more. Tickets are $20 for Woman?s Club members and $25 for nonmembers.

CHRISTMAS STORIES FROM CHRISTINE WAGNER'S THIRD-GRADE CLASS AT EL MORRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bob the dog On Christmas morning, Bob the dog was very excited. He opened all of the presents under the tree. When his family came downstairs, they were mad. Bob was sent to the attic. Bob was very sad. His family felt bad for him. Bob told his family that he was sorry for opening all of the presents by accident. His family let him downstairs, and they all had Christmas dinner together.

SHERWOOD KIRALY Tonight's the night again. I don't expect to see him, but I really don't mind. I was one of those kids who don't want to sit on Santa's lap. It was at Marshall Field's in Chicago, lots of mothers, kids, noise. I was about four, I guess; I was told to make my pitch while on his lap and then jump; get on and get off. This was my first experience of Christmas stress -- if the man had the powers they said he had, he was capable of anything.

Sawdust Winter Fantasy's final weekend The 14th annual Sawdust Winter Fantasy will feature 173 artists working in diverse media with works for sale. Entertainment, food and beverages activities and art classes for children and adults are available for free with paid admission. Sawdust Winter Fantasy, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. One time adult admission is $4.50 or $5.50 for unlimited access. Entry is $2 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and younger.

?Come help trim the tree,? read the note from Lynn Brown. ?Three-thirty on Friday. I?ve got champagne and snacks.? Who could resist? This would be the second annual ?girl?s decorating event,? a carry over from the year before. Last December, we had delighted in the transformation of a naked tree into a shining jewel, nestled on the front porch of the Browns? South Laguna home. It was an experiment that worked: a Christmas tree, fragrant in the cool air, and a delightful greeter for friends and family.

There will be something for everybody this holiday season, from free concerts to visits with Santa. Following is a list of events during December. For an alternative holiday shopping guide, see Page A1. Here comes Santa Claus Tonight marks the official kickoff of the holiday season in Laguna, with the 50th annual Hospitality Night, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The Thurston Middle School band will start the evening with a performance at 5 p.m. in front of City Hall, 505 Forest Ave. Santa will ride throughout town in a motorcade from 5 to 6 p.m.; he will ride in a fire truck, a trolley will carry the city council, and a Mini Cooper to be raffled will bring up the rear.