Winter at Bonnie Brae

FROM THE C.E.O.

Santa panic? No way. Upon his quiet arrival at Bonnie Brae, Santa confronts the first of many challenges. Having lost considerable weight in the off-season Santa is badly in need of costume augmentation. What no jolly red belly? So, having been to Bonnie Brae before, Santa resourcefully trundles off alone, where are those elves when you most need them, to the oak shed. The oak shed is a small building on the grounds that houses new pillows, sheets and blankets for new residents. However on this night, of all nights, there are many sheets and blankets. No pillows. What’s Santa to do. Panic? No, not yet.
Sporting a new more buff and trim appearance, perhaps the beginning of a new trend – the healthy Santa, the Jolly One sets off, alone still, where are those elves, to spend some quiet time in the canteen. The canteen is conveniently located in the lower level of the gym. From his hiding place Santa can hear staff and residents thoroughly enjoying this year’s magic show. The magic show is staged each year directly after the holiday dinner so that the elves have time to load cheerfully wrapped presents into each of the on-campus cottages. Waiting in the dark for the show to end Santa decides to up the anticipation level a notch or two. With everyone facing the other end of the gym, watching some incredible feats of magic, Santa slips unnoticed into the gym. Hiding behind a post at the top of the gym Santa can enjoy the show and, sure enough, before very long Santa is noticed by one of our more observant children, pointing, nudge nudge, some giggles, Santa quickly returns to his hiding place.
The show ends. The elves return. Residents and staff head back to their cottages. The long wait is almost over. From his hiding place Santa hears: I saw him, I saw him. Mission accomplished. Now the real fun begins. Santa is bundled into a warm van. The sleigh is given a rest. First stop is Metcalf Cottage, our youngest boys. Santa can feel the excitement as he gets closer to the front door. In keeping with Bonnie Brae tradition the boys are very loudly singing carols. Santa makes his grand entrance. Much cheering and shouting. Warm cookies and milk are delivered. Santa is helped to a comfy chair. Before Santa can sit down one very excited young man rushes over to give Santa a big hug. Before Santa’s elves/security guards can react Santa is almost knocked completely over his chair. Order is quickly restored. No harm done. Minor costume adjustments required. The elves begin to hand Santa presents. Santa is now completely blind due to his glasses being steamed up from the cold/hot transition. The first present goes to the youngest boy. A red remote-controlled car! Squeals of joy. Apparently Santa has brought the right gift.
Within fifteen minutes it is all over. The holiday wrapping paper lies scattered across the room. Toys and boys are everywhere. Santa has cookie crumbles throughout his white beard. The elves escort Santa to his next cottage. More of the same. Loud singing, cries of joy, scattered paper, new hats and clothes, toys on the floor.
The holiday season is a magical time at Bonnie Brae. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s the campus seems to be in a state of constant motion. When not planning an event we are busy staging an event, or cleaning up after an event. The energy level on campus is higher than usual, and almost always positive. Staff, families, and children quickly develop a sense of shared identity, a willingness to work together to achieve a common goal. Cheerfully we work to plan bountiful holiday meals, decorate the cottages, and take full advantage of our now snow covered bucolic campus. None of this is possible without your support. Thank you again for making our recent holiday season so joyous!