By Renee Larr
Earth Explorer Toys in Zionsville is getting into the holiday spirit and inviting local children to participate for free.
Guests will be able to visit with Santa from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 25 and 26. Families can bring their own camera and take as many photos as they want. Children will receive a free cookie from Mrs. Claus and a letter from Santa himself.
“We have a lower level here in the store. We decorate it with a Christmas tree and a nice big chair for Santa,” said Teresa Bracken, head explorer at the shop. “We actually let each family have their own time down there with Santa. We rarely have a line, but if we do they can just shop around the store until we call them. It’s just a very private, intimate time with Santa.”
Boys and girls will be able to send Santa their wish lists and letters directly through the shop’s antique mailbox. This tradition has been a part of the holiday celebration for the last 10 years. Letters will be accepted Nov. 24 to Dec. 24 and should include a self-addressed stamped envelope so children can receive a reply from St. Nick.
“I got (the mailbox) from my sister-in-law, who got it at an antique place. It originally was a Santa Claus, Ind., mailbox,” Bracken said.
She also enlists the help of high school junior and senior National Honor Society members to help create the magic.
For more, visit earthexplorertoys.com.
