Heaven — For a short preschool class in Heaven, Santa Claus came for an intimate visit.
Santa Claus was in attendance Wednesday at the Tiny Tots event run by Lori McCoslin, a teacher for the Paradise Recreation and Parks District.
Children, ages three to five, were attending preschool at the Terry Ashe Recreation Center in Paradise on a typical day when a knock was heard. Santa Claus, dressed in the iconic red and white suit, entered the side door with a bag of presents in his hands.
“How are you, Santa? Was it snowing at the North Pole?” Teacher Lori McCoslin asked.
“It sure was – I barely made it. But I heard there were some kids who needed to make their own stockings!” said Santa Claus.
The children were given a handmade quilt, a stocking and a candy cane, donated by Paradise Quilters, at the event for the little ones.
“My dad loves football,” said preschooler Declan Delgado while a quilt was made after the Kansas City Chiefs football team.
Christie Sweeney, assistant district manager for the PRPD, stopped before Santa arrived.
“That’s the fun part of my day,” Sweeney said. “I usually write Grant while staring at the computer screen, but that’s what makes my heart happy.”
McCoslin runs the Tiny Tots preschool program and has been teaching for more than 20 years. McCoslin said the Tiny Tots program covers children ages three to five and offers activities such as arts and crafts, singing, learning the alphabet and counting. This is a preschool class that operates month after month.
“It’s more for socialization. Kids get used to being with other kids, learning to share, be together, have new experiences,” McCoslin said. “Many of these kids haven’t gone to other programs before. “
McCoslin said the Tiny Tots program would resume in January 2022. Classes take place from month to month and prices vary. More information can be found on the Paradise Recreation and Parks District website.
“The joy these parents get from having their kids come to this place is just wonderful for them,” McCoslin said.
