Tractor Santa

Little faces peer out of every window in Portsmouth as the children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus. He can be heard from blocks away, but not by the typical "Now Dasher, now Dancer". No, this Santa is blasting Christmas carols and is pulled through the streets by a tractor. He starts his tour of Portsmouth December 1 and continues every night until he's finished.

We bundle up in our winter coats and stand outside with the rest of the neighborhood children. Squeals of delight, shouts of "This is the best Christmas ever!", and nervous giggles can be heard up and down the street.

When he finally arrives in front of the house the children are delighted. Santa graciously accepts letters, has his picture taken, and hands out candy canes. Then it's off to see the rest of the children in the neighborhood.

My children will talk about the visit from Santa for days. Their eyes will sparkle and their smiles will get me through all of the hectic lines at the stores. To me this is the official start of the Holiday season and I look forward to it every year as much as the children.

Thank you Tractor Santa for all the magic you will bring to our lives this holiday season. We will see you next week.

To see when Santa will be in your neighborhood visit: http://www.onaquidneck.com/santa/index.htm