Tuesday, DECEMBER 23, 2025 |
Photo – Santa Claus – Courtesy Dick Perue
Here is a story that comes to the radio station from the former owner and publisher of the Saratoga Sun, Dick Perue.
Santa’s newest local helper took time out of his busy schedule recently to stop by and say a prayer and to thank a deceased old friend for serving as Santa in the Upper North Platte River Valley for more than 40 years.
As we passed the corner of First & Bridge in downtown Saratoga, we spotted Santa sitting on the memorial bench honoring Teense Willford who had joyfully assisted Santa Claus for nearly half a century. With Teense’s passing this past year, jolly St. Nick needed someone to fill in, so he called on a dear friend of the deceased, who agreed to help out as long as he didn’t have to give his name.
This time of year, Santa’s current assistant is busy making the rounds, visiting with kids and school children, spreading joy to senior citizens and shut-ins as well as lifting the spirits of everyone with a “ho, ho, ho and Merry Christmas to all.” However, he wasn’t in such a rush that he couldn’t take time to pause at the bench and thank Teense for all the cheer he spread over the years.
In keeping with the meaning of Christmas, this year’s Santa asks all to remember to keep Christ in Christmas, be Santa for friends and family, spread great joy and pray for everyone.
