Cozumel’s kids were treated to a fun afternoon at Kelley’s Sports Bar on Friday, December 23. Hosted by the owners, Gene and Alma, almost 50 children had a lunch of chicken, papas fritas and refrescos and were given a pair of shoes by Gene and Alma.
Two tables were piled high with gifts purchased by residents and visitors, who were on hand to present each boy and girl with their present. The excitement really started as the man in red made his appearance, as the kids chanted, “Santa, Santa, Santa . . . ”
The young ones and some of their parents were seated and waited on by the large number of volunteers who showed up to help and to make sure all of the kids got what they wanted for Christmas.
There were lots of smiles, lots of hugs and just a few tears, mostly from the adults who were moved by the joy of the children. The majority of the kids were happy to see Santa and a few of the young ones became new converts, but there were two young ones who decided that the fat gringo with the white beard and red coat was too scary.
After seeing the looks on the children’s and the adult’s faces, I’m not sure who had more fun. See you next year?