Santa's Special Sunday Visits

At 1:30 p.m., engine 35 checked in, "35 to North Pole." Within 30 minutes Santa arrived at Station 2 on the Post Road and changed into his nice clean, red and white suit.

The elves got themselves together, making sure their shirts were straightened out and neat, and filled their bags with candy canes.

With a glance outside, Elf Mama, breathed a sigh of relief.

"We were supposed to get a Nor'Easter today," she said. "I guess my Christmas wish came true, there's not even a glimmer of bad weather out there. I'll be sitting here in the firehouse dispatch while Santa is out with the firefighters."

For the past couple of years snow fell on Santa's Helper night and the fire trucks had to move slowly and carefully on the streets.

"The Highway Department always does a good job plowing the roads," Elf Mama said, "But sometimes, on the narrower streets, it can be tricky for a big, heavy fire truck."

At 3:00 p.m. driver Drew Panapada asked, "Are you ready Santa?"

"Ho Ho, of course! Let's go see the children," Santa answered with a sparkle in his eye.

Santa, the firefighters and elves all boarded the truck and set the GPS for the first stop.

"Off we go to David's house," Santa said.

The elves giggled and held the candy cane bags near.

"This is so much fun!" they squealed.

As they approached David's house driver Drew sounded the siren.

David ran to the door, wearing his PJs. He frantically waved out the window, so excited he could hardly contain himself.

"Santa! You came!" David cried out.

"Ho, Ho, Ho," Santa said in a loud jolly voice. "Hello! Have you been good this year?"

"Yes, Santa! I got you some cookies," he said, handing Santa a bag. 

"Thank you, David," Santa said. "Chocolate chip, my favorite!"

"I brought you a present," Santa said, handing David a big box.

"Thank you Santa!"

David tore off the brown paper wrapping to reveal a colorful holiday wrap underneath. "What is it?" he asked.

"Open it. I know you'll like it," Santa answered.

David carefully pulled off the wrapping paper to reveal the treasure inside. "A truck! It's the one I wanted! Thank You Santa!" he said throwing his arms around Santa's belly.

After David's mom and dad took a few photos, it was time for Santa to leave.

"Merry Christmas, everyone. Merry Christmas, David. I'll come back in a few days," Santa promised as he and his elf waved goodbye and walked out the door.

David waved to Santa and the firefighters from his front porch until the truck was out of sight.

"This is the best Christmas ever!" David said. "I'm so happy!"

Off in the distance, David could hear the fire siren as driver Drew stopped in front of the next stop on Santa's special route.