'Twas the week before Christmas, When all through the town, No one was stirring, not even a clown; The kids lined the street with caution and care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. Alas, with a horn blaring and a siren screaming, Santa arrived on a firetruck delivering him to the fire department. No sooner had jolly ole St. Nick descended from big red truck when children rushed him for a group hug. Walking along the endless line of young and older... Santa gleefully dispensed Christmas cheer. Inside, Santa took up his customary position... the big chair in the fire department next to the Christmas tree. With a twinkle in his eyes and a mighty ho ho ho, children took turns sitting upon his knee whispering their secret Christmas list in his ear as parents strained to hear. Upon the traditional Santa photo taken, the children rushed to the toys piled high on the nearby tables. Decisions... decisions... decisions! Toys in hand, the youngsters moved along to the next station where they were fitted with a appropriately-sized, colorful body-warming winter coats courtesy of the Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid’s Coat Drive. While the winds blow... and old-man winter chills the air... toasty the kids all will be. Food Share provided bags of local fruit for one and all. Outside what to my wondering eyes did appear but of course two powerful reindeer that brought Santa to Fillmore. Around the corner, FAA popcorn and 4-H cotton candy. Wow, what a wonderful Fillmore Christmas morning. A hearty thank you to all that make the Fire Department toy drive such a memorable Fillmore moment. Given the joyful smiles on all the faces, quite the experience to remember... one day in December. From all at the Fillmore Gazette, may everyone enjoy the experience of a very Merry Christmas. Photos and Story by Bob Crum.