Christmas Season Begins with Breakfast with Santa

By Jessica Thompson

West Valley - It may be hard for families to feel the Christmas spirit while waiting in a long line at a busy mall before they get to sit on Santa’s lap for an expensive picture. For the past 12 years, the West Valley City Family Center has given families an opportunity to visit with Santa in an inexpensive and interactive way. 

“This event is great for the community and helps people get ready for the holidays. It’s a really fun event,” Valerie, program manager at the Family Center, said.

At the Breakfast with Santa event, families get to eat a delicious meal of pancakes, eggs and sausage while Christmas characters walk around and interact with each family. 

“My favorite part of today has been the food,” Nathan Garcia, who came with his family, said.  

This year the event had many Christmas characters for the children to take pictures with, including Elsa from “Frozen” and Jack Frost, along with Santa’s Christmas puppy. They were just some of the characters that helped this breakfast feel magical. 

While families ate breakfast, Santa and Mrs. Claus walked around to each family and asked them questions and made the children laugh. Along with the extra interaction, children also got to sit on Santa’s lap and received a free picture. 

“I’ve always loved to go and sit with Santa,” Nellie Garcia, big sister to Nathan, said.

Santa was very cheerful and great at making the children smile during the event. When he walked into the room, families could hear their children yelling, “It’s Santa!” 

Mr. and Mrs. Claus loved being able to bring smiles to the faces of children.  

“The miracle and joy I can see in their eyes is such a fulfillment to me and brings me such joy and love in my heart,” Santa said.

While families were waiting in line for their picture with Santa, children could get their faces painted, received goody bags and colored Christmas coloring pages. 

“I’m grateful to West Valley and the Family Center for hosting this event, because it’s the easiest way for the kids to interact with Santa rather than standing in a line,” Heather, who has brought her son to this event for the past four years, said.

“What I love about this event is that it’s affordable and very family friendly.  It’s very fun and interactive, like when our Jack Frost goes around and sprinkles you with snow.  It’s like having breakfast with an extended family. We do things very affordable to help the families in our community,” Valerie said.              λ