Santa’s wish is to give to those less fortunate
Published in the December 24, 2014 – January 6, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Photo by Marty Cheek
Santa Claus and his helpers from Boy Scout Troop 799 aboard the Magic Ship of Christmas during a recent visit to Andrade Country Meadows.
Whether he’s called Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or simply “Santa,” the spirit of holiday celebrating is represented by the legendary man who resides at the North Pole and brings toys and other gifts to children around the world on Christmas Eve.
Morgan Hill Life had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Claus and ask him about his Christmas season visits to our community and why he enjoys sharing his special magic with the people who make their homes in the South Valley.
Every year you ride in downtown Morgan Hill’s Holiday of Lights Parade in the Magic Ship of Christmas. How would you describe the parade and why do you take time from your busy schedule every year to come down from the North Pole and participate in our parade?
The timing for Morgan Hill’s holiday parade is great. With one week to finish off those Thanksgiving leftovers, the community is ready to change the focus for the upcoming holiday. The parade gives the children (old and young) a chance to welcome Santa to Morgan Hill. Santa loves to see the excitement in the faces of all the children as he rides on his Magic Ship of Christmas at the close of the parade.
How would you describe the involvement of the people of Morgan Hill in holiday activities as a community?
When it comes to involvement, Morgan Hill is an awesome community. I enjoy visiting the various schools and visiting with the young people and seeing some of this awesomeness taking place. Morgan Hill’s Boy Scout Troop 799 is very involved in visiting seniors and local children with the Magic Ship of Christmas with you.
Santa Claus waves at parade goers at the 2014 Holiday of Lights Parade in Morgan Hill. Photo by Marty Cheek
Tradition! John Espinosa who was the Scoutmaster for Troop 799 several decades ago started the tradition of the Magic Ship of Christmas. And fortunately I have a fabulous group of youngsters and parents in Troop 799 who let me carry on John’s tradition.
What does the true spirit of Christmas mean to you personally?
Santa is the spirit of sharing and giving. This not only fits in well with Christmas but also with all religions. That is why Santa is special to children of all religions.
What wishes would you like to give all the people in Morgan Hill when they celebrate Christmas Day this year?
Most people in Morgan Hill are well off financially. But we have some in the community who, even with working hard, do not receive enough money to provide something special for their families during the holidays. It is my wish that the people in Morgan Hill reach a little deeper in their pockets to help the people in their community who are not as fortunate as they are. A great place where they can contribute is Cecelia’s Closet.
“Santa Claus” is portrayed by Phil Peterson, the scout master of Boy Scout Troop 799 in Morgan Hill.
