My thanks to Brenda Badgett for this contribution:Â
Walden’s General Manager, Rusty Denner, Food and Beverage Manager, Jesse Cole, and Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, Jodi Christie, put their collective heads together and mapped out a Walden Christmas Event to rival all others. It was a brilliant success.  Beginning Saturday, Dec. 2nd, families had an opportunity to have Breakfast with Santa.  It was a sold-out event with 160 reservations! Those that didn’t make breakfast were still able to get free pictures with Santa. My husband and I dropped in while breakfast was going on to see how things were progressing and walked around and visited with some of the attendees.  They all had good things to say.  The kiddos enjoyed spending time with Santa and getting a memento to remember it by.
But the day didn’t end there!  The Tree Lighting Ceremony was scheduled for 7:00 that evening.  The Yacht Club brought in the Walden Social Network volunteers to help with the family activities starting at 5:30 pm.  There were pictures with the Grinch.  Look at our Facebook page, to see that most kids were receptive while some scooted as far away as they could.  But not all were leery. My favorite photo is of one child facing off the Grinch while the Grinch touched their sweet little nose with his finger.  The other events included the Oreo cookie stack. Each contestant got to take their cookies home with them so really, everyone was a winner.  Christmas ornament decorating by the kids that then went on the tree that was set up in the gazebo.  Cookie decorating stations that stayed incredibly busy and they got to eat their creations!  And what is Christmas without S’mores? There were stations set up for these gooey chocolate treats.  They were a hit and the volunteers got to eat the few leftovers.  Last, but not least, a letter writing station and mailbox for those who had not let Santa know what they most wanted.  We also had a few moms asking for darker hair and firmer bodies.  I will not confirm nor deny that I was one of those!  At 6:50 pm everyone headed out to the gazebo to witness the lighting of the tree which ended a very memorable evening.  An absolute success in my estimation and I’m sure it was the same with many more.  Cannot wait for next year!
And my thanks to Gaby Tryon for this reminder:
“The Season to Be Jolly Concert“ will be performed by the talented Conroe Symphony Orchestra at 2:30pm on Sat. Dec. 16, at the First Methodist Church on W Davis, Conroe. Tickets can be purchased on line at www:ConroeSymphony.Org and at the door.
And my own reminder – As we enter the season of giving, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Karla Seidule may be reached with Walden news at karlaseidule@icloud.com
