Do you remember what it felt like to receive an unexpected gift when you were a child? The thrill and excitement that came from a package filled with unknown promise?
Children at Bruce Elementary School didn't know that Santa Claus' sleigh would make a pit stop to visit them Thursday morning and bring them backpacks filled with winter merriment. They knew they must have been more nice than naughty when they discovered the building decorated with tinsel.
When holiday humbugs threaten to dampen the tenor of the season, it's always children who act as a barometer for what's important.
And when the jolly old man ho hoed down the halls from pre-kindergarten to second grade classrooms, the expression on the kids' faces served as a reminder for adults that it takes very little to bring joy to others.
Volunteer Houston's A Visit from St. Nicholas, a 25-year initiative, surprised 10,000 little ones in 26 underserved Houston and Bay area schools with a bundle of toys and books, including You Are Special by Max Lucado, a story about a wooden puppet who believes he's not good enough and discovers just how special he is.
When holiday humbugs threaten to dampen the tenor of the season, it's always children who act as a barometer for what's important.
Got a great photo of a Houston happening or everyday occurrence? Or just a fun photo that shows why Houston is so unique? Send it to barbara@culturemap.com, along with details (who, what, where and why it's special). It might make our Pix of the Day.
