No matter how old you get, when the Christmas season rolls around it’s easy to think back to those innocent days of childhood and the annual visit to Santa Claus.
    I won’t reveal how old I am, but when I tell you my first visits to Santa were in the old Wolf and Dessauer Department Store in downtown Fort Wayne, you’ll have some idea. I still recall my breathless anticipation as I waited in line for my turn to tell the jolly fat man in the red suit what I wanted for Christmas.
    Since he first donned a rented suit in 1954, Carmon Cripe of Middlebury has been creating memories like that for Elkhart County youngsters, visiting local families, businesses, factories and restaurants dressed as the Jolly Old Elf.
    About 30 years ago, he talked his wife, Margaret, into joining him as Mrs. Claus, and starting around Thanksgiving, they begin their holiday appearances. Two of the families they visit are on their fifth generation of seeing him at Christmas.
    It’s the spirit of giving, not receiving, that motivates many families during the holidays, including the Runkle and Dunlap families of New Paris, who volunteer to help feed the homeless at Faith Mission in Elkhart. Many families also have a tradition of volunteering on Christmas Day at First Presbyterian Church in Goshen, where about 450 meals are served and delivered in a day. Our article features the Rhudy family.
    This edition of Elkhart County Living also highlights Premier Arts, a theater group in Elkhart. Two years ago, the Elco Theater’s resident troupe began producing its own shows, rather than bring in outside shows, and the idea of a civic, family-focused theater took off like gangbusters.
    Also in this issue:
    If curling up with a good book on a cold winter night is your thing, three local library directors share their recommendations for the perfect winter read.
    Places in the Park features all the things to do in the parks in the winter, like cross country skiing, sledding and hiking.
    Living Green will save you energy and money with winterizing tips.
    Antonio’s in Elkhart is our featured restaurant, and Chef Rachel Shenk shares recipes for the Christmas holiday, including cookies and a yuletide log.
    Happy Holidays everyone.
   
    ~ Publisher Jim Kroemer