Santa and Mrs. Claus delighted children at Folklore Bookshop's holiday event, collecting heartfelt Christmas wishes.
On Saturday, the Folklore Bookshop in Midway welcomed children for a holiday meet-and-greet with Jeff and Tami Gray, who portrayed Santa and Mrs. Claus. The couple, dressed in festive red, green, and gold outfits, greeted nearly 50 children, exchanging high-fives and warm hugs. Young attendees shared their Christmas wishes, including Zoe Pearce, 6, who requested a pink bear-shaped chair and some nail polish. Delilah Hicken, 4, expressed her desire for a rocking horse in purple or blue.
Jeff, embodying Santa, joyfully reacted to the children's requests, expressing enthusiasm for their imaginative gifts. Susan Wise, 75, celebrated her birthday at the event wearing a golden “Happy Birthday!” sash, sharing her wish for world peace. This gathering marked a tradition for the Pearce family, who consider Folklore Bookshop their go-to place for holiday cheer after previously attending a Santa-themed storytime event.
Quinn Dicesaris, an employee at Folklore, noted the bookshop's role as a community hub, offering a space for children to connect with Santa and enjoy stories. The Grays have been volunteering as Santa and Mrs. Claus since 2017, with Jeff starting his Santa journey at age 17 when his aunt needed a last-minute replacement for a holiday event.
The couple has since embraced a Swiss-inspired style, enhancing their outfits with golden designs and fur-lined details. Their commitment to the Santa tradition includes engaging playfully with children, distributing candy, and listening to their holiday wishes. Jeff emphasized the importance of creating a safe and joyful environment, allowing children to feel loved.
As they continue to volunteer in the community, the Grays have participated in numerous events across Wasatch and Summit Counties, cherishing their time spent with enthusiastic young visitors. Tami remarked on the joy they receive from interacting with children during the holiday season.