Santa brings smiles to children during visit to Holmes County Health Department

Santa and Mrs. Claus paid a visit to the Holmes County Health Department Friday, Dec. 12, and the special visit brought plenty of smiles, laughter and wonder to the children who visited.

The Christmas visit was created to delight the children who are part of the health department’s growing number of services, children who might not otherwise get a chance to meet with Santa this year.

“This is something the health department has graciously invited me and Mrs. Claus to be a part of over the past 15 years, which is wonderful,” Santa said. “It’s a beautiful time of reading stories, doing crafts and taking time to have a photo taken with Santa Claus.”

The families and children invited to attend the meet and greet with Santa included partners through the Women, Infants & Children and Help Me Grow programs.

A nice number of children came into the health department’s conference room, where they were delighted to see Santa up close.

“I count this stop as one of the most important ones on my pre-Christmas schedule,” Santa said. “It is a wonderful opportunity for building memories for our kids because we know that sometimes kids have what is called an adverse childhood encounter, and these are the types of things that can help them form good bonds with their families, and it gives their caretakers an opportunity to be supported.”

The range of children visiting Santa Claus at the health department ranged from 8 months old to 5 years old, and Santa made sure each one’s experience was special and memorable.

Each child received a special present from Santa, and he said although several children who signed up were unable to make it to the event, he personally would deliver their presents to their homes to make sure they had a bright and enjoyable Christmas.

In addition to sitting on Santa’s lap and sharing secrets of what they wanted for Christmas with him, the children also got to read a book with Mrs. Claus.

Santa also brought an elf to help with the craft time, and they played games and had plenty of fun with Santa and his team.

Despite this being such a busy time of the year for the big, jolly guy and his staff, Santa said he looks forward to this visit with great affection.

“I’m honored to be able to partner with the health department and come here for this special event for the kids in Holmes County,” Santa said.

Santa is already planning for December 2026, looking forward to next year when he, Mrs. Claus and additional elves can pay a visit to the health department to delight the kids.

He said this event serves a great purpose in supporting families throughout Holmes County during the Christmas season. He said one aspect of partnering with the health department for this event is it helps supply additional diapers, nutritional items and ideas of how to celebrate Christmas as a family in fun yet inexpensive ways.

He also said while he and his team help spread that joy and services during this event, the health department is always able and willing to reach out to help support area families in any way possible.

“We want to thank all the team here at the Holmes County Health Department for all of the critical work they do in the community in connecting with families,” Santa said. “They want everybody to live happier, healthier lives, not just for those who live here, (but also) for those who work here and play here. That’s the mission of the health department, and that is a message and effort that Santa and Mrs. Claus and all of us at the North Pole can firmly get behind.”

Santa said leaders at the health department said they all want to meet families and children where they are, helping them get over the hump of whatever may be adding stress, difficulties or challenges in their lives at that time.

“For them, it’s about adding stability and hope to family’s lives, helping them to provide for their families, and they are here to support the essential full health functions in life,” Santa said.

He said sometimes families must make tough decisions on how to allocate funds when money gets tight, and oftentimes, there isn’t enough money to purchase essentials. He said the health department is there to make sure all those needs are capably met, and partnering with families is special.

Santa said while he believes his visit made an impact, the children always continue to make a positive impact on his and Mrs. Claus’ lives as they continue to connect with children, just like the health department.