Lemont's Happy Hands Methodist Preschool Combines Christmas Cheer With Spirit of Giving

Happy Hands Students had the opportunity to visit with Santa - but this time, they were bringing him a gift, too.

Lemont resident Earl Anderson has been delighting children for more than 40 years in his role as Santa Claus. But for more than a decade, Anderson has donned his red suit and beard to help make the holidays a little brighter for children in need. In 1999, Anderson and his family began The Jeff Anderson Children’s Foundation following the tragic loss of their beloved son. In memory of Jeff, the foundation raises money, collects donations and purchases toys for severely ill children and needy families in the area. Since 2004, Happy Hands Methodist Preschool has participated in the Anderson’s Christmas mission project. On Dec. 5 and 6, more than 75 Happy Hands students had the opportunity to be a part of the project by bringing an unwrapped …

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Lemont’s Ushers in the Season With Hometown Holiday

We're happy to share photos from Saturday’s celebration in downtown Lemont - and we hope you'll add your photos from Hometown Holiday, too.

Lemont kicked off the holiday season in style Saturday night with its annual Hometown Holidays celebration.  The village’s historic downtown was all decked out for the season with decorated trees, twinkling lights and sparkling storefronts. The popular event featured a variety of activities for the entire family – from horse-drawn carriage rides and carolers to ice sculpting, free hot chocolate and cookies – and, of course – the Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus. Did you snap photos at Hometown Holiday that you’d like to share? Just upload them here – or email them to Guest Editor Linda Ozbolt at lindaozbolt.patch@gmail.com. - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  There are plenty of ways to keep up on Lemont news:

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Greatest Person of the Day

Despite Personal Tragedy, Local Santa Brings Joy to Sick Children

Lemont resident Earl Anderson will distribute as many as 16,000 toys this year in memory of his late son.

UPDATE: Earl Anderson has been chosen as the Huffington Posts's Greatest Person of the Day, which features stories of people across the nation who are confronting major issues and making a difference in their community. Congratulations, Earl! - - - - - - - - - - - - When Earl Anderson’s 28-year-old son, Jeff, was killed in a car accident 12 years ago, Anderson considered hanging up his sleigh. The Lemont resident had been dressing as Santa Claus and visiting needy children since the age of 20, sometimes bringing along his own children—including Jeff—dressed as elves. After the tragic loss, Anderson wasn’t sure he could go on playing Santa. “I thought about quitting, but my wife and others convinced me that Jeff would want Santa to go on,” …

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Tracking Santa's Journey is Part of the Magic of Christmas

NORAD tracks Santa every year, and children can find out where Santa is as he travels the world delivering presents.

While Santa Claus makes his trip around the world, with Rudolph lighting the way, the men and women at NORAD will be tracking his travels and alerting children of his progress. Santa's magic is powerful and much more technologically advanced than that of NORAD, the North American Air Defense Command, said U.S. Army Major Mike Humphreys. Humphreys is stationed at Peterson Air Force Base, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The command is confident that Santa will be able to handle anything he encounters on his Christmas Eve trip. "We have satellites in space that pick up heat signatures, and those satellites pick up threats," Humphreys said. "Rudolph's nose comes in quite well on those satellite images. We also have 47 radar sites that are able to …

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Happy Holidays From Patch

Where to Spot Santa in Lemont This Weekend

Kids will have two opportunities to see Santa Claus this weekend at special breakfast events.

Christmas is just two weeks away, but why wait to see ol' Saint Nick? Families will have two opportunities to see Santa Claus this weekend at special events right here in Lemont. Lemont Junior Woman's Club 16th Annual Breakfast with Santa On Saturday, the Lemont Junior Woman's Club will hold its 16th annual Breakfast with Santa Claus at Cog Hill Golf Club, 12294 Archer Ave. Seating will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and will include a buffet breakfast, sleigh ride, stories with Mrs. Claus, a roaming magician, and a visit and photo with Santa. The breakfast benefits more than 50 underprivileged children in Lemont. St. Al's/St. Pat's Breakfast with Santa On Sunday, St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick School is hosting its annual breakfast with …

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Weekend To Do List: Holiday Activities Around Lemont

Get in the Christmas spirit this weekend with a number of holiday-themed activities throughout the village.

With a snowy forecast and a number of Christmas activities planned, Lemont is the place to be this weekend for residents looking to celebrate the holiday season. Saturday, Dec. 4 Pancake Cafe's 10th Anniversary Celebration Lemont Trustee Paul Chialdikas will celebrate the 10th anniversary of PC's Pancake Cafe, 1264 State St., with NBC weatherman Andy Avalos, the restaurant's former owner. Chialdikas and Avalos will have two cake-cutting ceremonies, one at 10:30 a.m. and one at 12:30 p.m. As a special treat, all meals will be half-price Saturday. Lemont Park District Holiday Craft Bazaar The Lemont Park District is hosting a holiday arts and craft fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centennial Community Center. Items for sale will include…

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