Cookies, Claus and Reindeer Paws

By Harriet Halbig

It was a cold, gray and snowy afternoon in Monument, Colorado, December 8, but the Monument Branch Library bustled with activity.

Young patrons decorated large cookies with an assortment of frostings, M & Ms, and sprinkles in the form of miniature candy canes and snowflakes. Some children decked the cookies with all they would hold, while others carefully color-coordinated their decorations. Terrific volunteers from the Lewis Palmer Middle School Junior National Honor Society assisted children and staff with the fun project.

After a few hours of culinary activity, the youngsters received a special guest, Mrs. Claus, taking time out from her busy holiday schedule to bring several baskets and bags of puppets and bells and reindeer antlers. She delighted the children with stories and songs.

Artist Dan Fraley of Palmer Lake signed posters of his painting of the Palmer Lake Star, and library cards with the Palmer Lake Star image were available free of charge.

To top off the afternoon, one of Santa's reindeer stopped by to snack on apples brought by the children and to offer a photo opportunity in the cold outdoors.

A good time was had by all, and the holiday spirit was in evidence as everyone headed for their warm homes.

If you missed this event, and would like to meet the reindeer, please visit the Palmer Lake Library on December 15 at 10:30 a.m.