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Ryan Roche was overjoyed to see Santa when he stopped by UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute on Tuesday. Roche helped Santa recite the words to “Twas the Night before Christmas.” |
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Santa Claus, also known as Billy Butler, handed out stuffed animals to each child as well as hand-crafted wooden toys inscribed with the words “Made in the North Pole” like the one shown here. |
Some were apprehensive about Santa, others proudly proclaimed their age or milestones they’d reached over the last year, such as getting their braces off. The older campers asked about Mrs. Claus and cell phone reception at the North Pole.
Ryan Roche was so excited he could barely get the words out to ask Santa for a country music CD for Christmas. But when it came time to recite “Twas the Night before Christmas,” Ryan shouted out the names of the reindeer in unison with jolly old St. Nick.
The end of the Christmas story was met with rousing applause and Santa presented Roche with a hand-crafted wooden toy inscribed with the words “Made in the North Pole” for being his special helper.
Lucian Brown then took a seat on Santa’s lap and announced he wanted a jet pack for Christmas.
“I’ve been a good boy all day,” he informed Santa and proceeded to lead his peers in singing “Jingle Bells.” Afterwards, he hopped off Santa’s lap with his new stuffed animal in hand and headed back to his seat with an ear-to ear grin.
The smiles are what keep Santa, also known as Billy Butler, coming back each Christmas season. He’s served as Santa at MMI for the past 10 years with the exception of last year when he was away with the Nebraska National Guard.
“I really missed the kids at MMI and am very excited to be back,” he said. “You truly get to see the twinkle in their eyes.”
Butler began his career as Santa Claus in 1972 when he was in his twenties. The Bassett, Neb., native also visits rest homes, hospitals, school and churches as well as MMI.
For Nicole Giron, adaptive therapy specialist in the recreation therapy department at MMI, it was a special day to be a part of.
“I teared up when one of our teens, who typically does not like to be hugged or touched, sat next to Santa and actually hugged him. When most teenagers would think it’s silly to sit on Santa’s lap, he was caught up in the moment,” she said. “I could feel the magic Santa brought — something you realize you miss as an adult.
“It made me think about what matters most — making people smile and feeling the joy that comes from helping others.”
Just what Christmas is all about.