This time, we're on HER list. . .

Photo by Sandy Story

Over the years, scores of pictures have been taken of this group and saved in scrapbooks.
But this may be the first time Stan isn't wearing a beard and can be recognized.

Every Christmas Eve for the past decade the extended Story clan has gathered next door. As the designated Santa and Mrs. Claus, we've seen new members join the family and watched the little ones grow up, in precise annual increments. Tom and Sandy bring over a bag of toys and a script and we take it from there. It's fun to see the changes in the children as they grow, exactly one year at a time.
We've seen fear turn to courage, then confidence to casual familiarity, but always gentle movement, always something new.

2002, the first year Santa and Mrs Claus visited the Storys.
Mrs Claus, Jane, Santa, Ella, Michael and Andrew.
From the Story archives.

Today the eldest granddaughter had her high school graduation party and Mr. and Mrs. Claus were on the guest list . . . as civilians.
Jane has grown to be a fine young adult, a friendly, confident hostess with a bright future, who will be attending the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul next year to study mathematics. She was surrounded today by family, friends and neighbors at her parents' lovely Chanhassen home. We enjoyed a nice brunch buffet spread by a support team of parents, grandparents and others.
Before we left, we just had to ask. Does the new graduate still believe in Santa Claus?
You bet she does.