MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- It's that time of year when malls are packed with shoppers searching for the perfect gift. Trees adorned with lights and ornaments are in homes across the nation. Many traditions are renewed during the Christmas season.
One annual base tradition that was renewed was the Children's Christmas Party held at the Child Development Saturday. Sponsored by the Officers' Spouses Club and Marine Corps Community Services, the family-oriented event hosted approximately 200 children again this year.
Parents and caregivers escorted children into the CDC where they were greeted by Col. Joseph R. Wingard and other volunteers who greeted the little ones and gave them nametags. Children had five rooms to choose from, each with different activities planned to entertain their inquisitive natures.
One of the most popular of the rooms was Santa's Shop. Donated gifts provided many choices for children's Christmas shopping. The gifts were donated by the local community in support of the festive event. Elves greeted the children as they entered the shop and helped them select presents for parents and loved ones. Parents waited outside so the children's gifts would surprise them on Christmas Day.
Jasmine Davidson, 8-year-old daughter of Capt. Arthur Davidson of the G6 Section here, enjoyed the time she had at the festival. She loved buying Christmas presents for her parents. Parents should enjoy Christmas too, she said with a giggle.
This was also a chance for parents to do something "fun" with their children in the spirit of the holiday season. The children decorated Christmas ornaments and homemade cookies that were baked by OSC members.
Hannah Kinkade, 4-year-old daughter of Gunnery Sgt. Mark Kinkade of the Albany Marine Band, said she had fun making the cookies. She was also one of the many event-goers who had Santa's ear for a few moments to tell him about what she hopes to find under her Christmas tree this year.
Kinkade asked Santa for nail polish, she said.
Whether it was a new bicycle or world peace, Santa, who was played by Matt Knox of MCCS, was eager to listen the young children's wishes. Children also had their pictures taken with the big man and took home the photo as a souvenir.
The merry old elf is making a list and checking it twice, and children throughout the base are hoping that everyone who was good this year will get what they ask for.
According to Doreen Grace who brought her 5-year-old daughter Hannah to the celebration, this was a great opportunity for Hannah and her to socialize with the base community and get into the spirit of the holiday season.