With visions of sugarplums, or whatever the modern equivalent is,
dancing in their heads, children anticipate the coming of the jolly old elf and his famous ride across the
world, delivering gifts and goodies for all on Christmas night. Many write a letter to Santa Claus,
hoping to give him firm information on what they would like to find
under their tree come Christmas morning. In Texarkana, it doesn't
have to be just a stamp and a wish. In this town, children get a chance to really get a letter
back.
"This started last year, along with the theme of last year's downtown Christmas Parade," said Ina
McDowell, Main Street Texarkana's executive director. "Our theme for the parade last year was 'Letters to Santa'. Last year, kids got to write a physical letter to Santa Claus
and Mrs. Claus would write them a letter back. Around 150-200 children sent letters, all getting a letter back from the North Pole and the Claus' operation, which is busy this time
of year."
Mrs. Claus, Santa and the elves are busy this time of year, getting ready for Santa's wild ride. But last year's project was so successful and Mrs. Claus enjoyed hearing from Texarkana children so much, Main Street Texarkana is doing it again this
year.
"Just like last year, we have a
special mail box in the lobby of the Texarkana Gazette, downtown in the Landmark Building at the
corner of State Line and Broad Street," she said. "Kids can bring their letters and deposit them in the mail box in the lobby during business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday-Friday."
Children can write anything they want in their letters and Mrs. Claus will answer them all. However, writing all those letters is a lot of work, so there is a form they can use to make the job easier.
"However, everyone gets a reply from Mrs. Claus, whether they use the form or not," McDowell said.
"Just be sure to include a good name and mailing address to be sure the response gets
to you."
The deadline for all letters to Santa is Dec. 22.
"This is another fine event for children and families to celebrate the holidays," McDowell
said.
This year's Christmas parade theme is "Gingerbread Village". It will take place 7 p.m. Monday.