Gabe Gary had a big list for Santa Claus on Thursday at the Harre Union on the Valparaiso University campus — really big.
He asked for a mansion with a pool and a hot tub.
“Have you thought of anything that will fit in the stocking?” Santa said before moving on to ask Gabe, 7, if he’d been good and telling him that if he thought of anything else, he should write it down and put it in an envelope addressed to “Santa” before putting it in the mail.
Gabe’s dad, Kevin Gary, chair of the university’s department of education and an associate professor there, said he’s been with the department for three years and only recently moved to Valparaiso.
“I wanted to take the kids, but we lived in South Bend, and it would have been too far,” he said. “I’m just enjoying that we can bring the whole family to the university and to see some of my own students dressed as elves and welcoming everybody.”
This was the seventh year the university hosted a tree lighting and a host of other festivities, including cookie decorating; a photo booth; a Jingle Jog run/walk that collected food for local families; and caricatures.
Lindsey Mooneyhan, of Hobart, the school’s assistant director of financial assistance, said she likes the family-friendly atmosphere.
“It’s just really nice what they do and to have it open for anyone who wants to do it,” she said while sons Jackson and Jay ate their freshly decorated cookies and sipped hot chocolate.
While Mooneyhan’s children liked the cookies best, sophomore Nellie Bonham, 20, of Palos Heights, Ill., said she liked interacting with kids. Dressed in a red and green elf suit, she helped usher children to see Santa.
“Seeing their faces light up is something that gets me. It makes it all worthwhile,” she said before offering ornaments to decorate to those in line and explaining they were a gift from Santa.
“I’m not the kind of person who typically likes Christmas, but once you step into an elf costume, you can’t help it.”
Outside, a growing crowd awaited the tree-lighting ceremony, which was followed by Christmas carols and a fireworks display.
University President Mark Heckler said the first tree lighting drew around 50 people and Santa joined the celebration the following year. The event has grown ever since.
“Just a single light would not illuminate this tree. Our light burns brighter when we come together for a common goal,” he said, including pursuing truth and knowledge, dialoguing across differences, and learning from one another and growing together. “May you be reminded tonight of this light we all share and the light you extend to others through your leadership and service.”
Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
