Abee spends an afternoon with Santa

By Brandie Majeau
The Abee Community Hall hosted its second annual “Santa is Coming to Abee”
event, transforming the space into a festive wonderland that embraced the spirit of the
holiday season. On the afternoon of December 1, community members gathered to
welcome Jolly Ole St. Nick into their midst, celebrating a warmth, and something a little
bit more, that makes Abee truly special.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by the invitation to pull up a chair and
sample fresh baked cookies, grab a hot chocolate or coffee, sit down and enjoy! The
afternoon unfolding to encourage guests to linger and fill their cups once more.
Creativity blossomed at the craft tables, which were lined with colouring sheets and
crafting paraphernalia curated to inspire joy and imagination in children of all ages. The
kids eagerly engaged in guided craft activities, such as hand-print wreaths that would
soon adorn their homes, while others rolled up their sleeves to unleash their own artistic
visions, making the room shimmer with excitement and creativity.
Santa, embracing his role with genuine enthusiasm, had adjusted his busy
schedule to spend the entire afternoon in Abee, embodying the very essence of holiday
spirit. He welcomed eager children with open arms, accepting their carefully made gifts
for him and taking precious moments to sip hot chocolate and engage in heartfelt
conversations with all manner of people surrounding him, sharing their own tales of
work, dreams, and life experiences. Santa’s presence was not just that of a gift-giver but
also, an avid listener, his warm laughter resonating with the echoes of joy and merriment
erupting from the crafting tables.
As the afternoon unfolded at a leisurely pace, guests flowed in and out, creating
an atmosphere that felt more like a cozy family gathering. The smaller gathering allowed
for an intimacy that is often lost in larger celebrations, enhancing the feeling of
togetherness among the community members. A table filled with gently used toys
generously shared by Bailey and Zoe Olson, served as a poignant reminder of the true
meaning of Christmas—the importance of sharing and giving.
The day finished in a beautiful reminder that during the holiday season, the most
precious moments arise from slowing down and truly being present. The Abee
Community Hall itself exuded warmth, its ambiance reminiscent of a grandmother’s
kitchen, where nostalgia and kindness intertwine, making everyone feel right at home.
Abee Community Hall would like to once again thank their sponsors ATB
Thorhild, Country Steel Fabrication Ltd, H2H Designs, Mamma’s Italian, North Parkland
Power, Thorhild County and Waste Management for their generous donations.