FORT RUCKER, Ala. (December 6, 2012) -- It's the time of year when red noses, reindeer antlers and unique sweaters are donned to spread Christmas cheer, and Picerne Military Housing gets in on the action with its Milk and Cookies with Santa event.
The event will be held Dec. 13 at the Fort Rucker Picerne Partners Headquarters, in Bldg. 2908, and will be a great holiday affair, according to Brandon Masters, PMH communications manager.
"We will have photos with Santa, light refreshments, a craft opportunity and a holiday performance along with other festivities," he said.
The photo opportunities do not require any type of reservations and include a chance for Families to incorporate their four-legged members.
"From 3-4 p.m., we will have a pet-specific photo opportunity. People can bring any pet they wish to have a photo with Santa. We like to have this special time to put the least amount of stress on nervous pets and children as possible," said Masters, adding that from 5-7 p.m. the traditional Family photos with Santa will begin.
Children are encouraged to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras.
"If parents want to bring their own cameras, that is fine, but we will take photos and print them for free for Families. We print them almost immediately so people can take the photos home that night," said Masters.
Light refreshments will be served in the form of milk, cookies, hot chocolate and water for children and adults.
"Coffee will not be served this year. We are focusing on the kids," said Masters.
Santa won't be the only one spreading Christmas cheer at the event, because word has it that elves and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance as well.
"This is the time of year where many Families want to get their picture made with Santa and we want to provide an opportunity for Families where they do not have to drive to the mall or wait in line," he said. "They can come here and we will do it in a Family environment for free."
According to Masters, the great thing about this event is that the Picerne team has as much fun as the residents and the children do.
"It is as fun or even more fun for us. It's just a great way for all of us as members of the community to come together and celebrate the holiday," he said.
Five hundred to 700 pictures are expected to be taken during the event, but Masters wants residents to know that they will try to make the event go as smoothly as possible.
"It is not always the easiest or fastest transition getting children on and off Santa's lap, to help children to feel comfortable to speak to Santa and to smile for the camera, but we will try to accommodate everyone as much as possible," he said.
There will be entertainment at the event, provided by the Fort Rucker Primary School.
"At 4:30 p.m. the first grade primary school chorus will perform a holiday pageant for attendees to enjoy. It includes holiday singing and dancing," said Masters, adding that they will introduce Santa.
Children will get a holiday goodie bag, and there will be an opportunity for children to make a holiday craft and mail a letter to Santa.
"We will have a station for craft making that children can take home if they wish and there will also be a mailbox set up if children wish to send a letter to Santa Claus," said Masters.
Santa won't be the only one receiving a letter or card from the children. A chance to create and sign a Christmas card for deployed Soldiers will also be held at the event.
"An area will be set up where participants can either sign or create a card that will be sent overseas to Soldiers who cannot be home for the holidays," said the communications manager.
Masters also said that the event is the perfect occasion for Soldiers to celebrate because their attendance shows that they are home for the holidays, something that they may often miss out on.
"This is an opportunity to commemorate their time here because this is a Christmas that they spent here, not only with their Families but at Fort Rucker. We are trying to make it a memorable experience for the whole Family," he said.
For more information, contact the local neighborhood office or visit www.ruckerpicerne.com.
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