For The Children

When you see the normally impeccably groomed Mr. Mickey sporting a fuller beard in the fall, you will know that he is preparing for one of his greatest roles.

Santa has arrived!

For a couple of hours, these precious children can feel safe in the arms of Santa as they share a laugh and tell him their secrets.

Taking a nap at the feet of Santa.

Our dear friend, Tony Seaton, started this project on his own several years ago because of his sincere love for children. It is now a labor of love for a small group of friends who contribute to buying a coat, shoes, an outfit for school, and a toy for each of these children.

There are tears, laughter, and full-on joy as the day unfolds. One little boy's family had just lost everything they own in a fire that destroyed their home this very morning.

"Here is a gift for you, Santa!"

I love to watch this man give his full undivided attention to the children as they come to sit on his lap and receive the gifts we have provided for them. He makes each child feel as if they are the most important person in the room.

The children's guardians or family members, if they have any, are treated to a full lunch and a day of celebration.

 

I feel so very blessed to be a part of this day and this man's life.

The jacket I am wearing is by Damee NYC from Shop My Fair Lady.

As evening approaches, Santa is also ready for a nap!

This extraordinary day begins early in the morning and continues well into the evening as Santa tries to visit all those near and dear to our hearts.

We ended this very long day at Gourmet and Company, where Santa gave a gift to every person working tonight in our favorite restaurant.

The best gift of all is love!

Day Of Giving

As promised, here are a few of the pictures from the Santa Project.

In the autumn of each year, Mr. Mickey starts letting his beard grow out for a significant project for all those involved.

A special group of friends contributes funds for this project, benefiting more than fifty children who might not otherwise have much of a Christmas. They are given a coat, shoes, school clothes, and a toy by the "real" Santa.

 

During the early part of this twelve-hour day, I wore a black long sleeve tee and black jeggings with a red boiled wool vest, all from Chico's. The bag is from Express. The boots are by Vince Camuto from Nordstrom.

In the evening, I removed the necklace and animal print belt, and smaller earrings and replaced them with longer earrings and a low slung belt from Chico's. I also added a tartan ruana from Foxcroft and black fur-trimmed leather gloves.

Santa Fundraiser

You may remember that Mr. Mickey has played Santa to a group of children who might not otherwise have much of a Christmas in years past.

A dear friend started the tradition of hosting a Christmas pizza party for some local needy children and their parents or guardians. Each child receives a coat, school clothes, a pair of shoes, and a toy.

Over the years, other friends have joined in to help fund the project. Last evening all those friends gathered to enjoy a wine and cheese fundraiser for next year's project, including an evening with "Santa."

Since I am Santa's date for the evening, I always wear something red. This year I wore a vintage red St. John Knit jacket, which was a gift from my dear friend Mitzi. I paired it with faux leather ponte jean leggings. The BCBGeneration zipper shoes from Dillard's were a big hit!

When I wear a piece that makes a bold statement, such as the jacket with the trademark St. John gold buttons and the zipper shoes, I let those items take the limelight. Adding a necklace or bold earrings would have been too much clutter.

The season of excess is upon us. In addition to numerous all you can eat buffet dinners, I will be avoiding glitzy sweaters, bright red lipstick, too much blush, and big sparkly matching earrings and necklaces.

Santa Makes His Rounds

Santa Mickey completed all of his "performances" during the past few days.

Last evening we first visited the beautiful home of our dear friends and neighbors, Don and Millie.

Then on to our next stop...

Our favorite Sunday afternoon hangout is Carrabba's in Johnson City, so we stopped in for a quick visit with the very busy Proprietor, Colin Baker. 

These children will never forget the night Santa came to their table at Carrabba's. They were so thrilled!

Then back to Mr. Mickey's home for a few shots of my outfit for an evening as Mrs. Claus. I wore a red wool jacket and long sleeve tee from Talbots last year with old straight leg black pants from Stein Mart and old Madden Girl short boots from Belk.

The beautiful bracelet was a gift from my sweet friend, Millie.

Behind me is Mr. Mickey's study area. All those trophies and medals are from winning tennis tournaments and competing as an Army Sharpshooter.

Our last stop of several this evening was with our sweet friends at our favorite restaurant in town, Gourmet and Company. We are pictured with proud new Papa, Chef Jacob Berry.

Mr. Mickey and I hope that your Christmas is filled with joy.