The Santa Claus story tells us that his reindeer fly him from house to house on his sleigh to plant gifts under Christmas trees. Well today in Belize City that narrative changed somewhat as Santa arrived in Belize on the Norwegian Jewels Cruise Ship. Over 100 Belizean children were present at the Belize Tourism Boards Annual Christmas Party held at the House of Culture. It was a bright start for these children and they expressed their gratitude for this pre-Christmas bash.
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
Christmas came early for these children today when Santa Claus arrived and distributed gifts.
This treat is the Norwegian Jewel's way of making the Christmas season a bit more special for these kids.
Sandra Franklin, Human Resources Director, Norwegian Jewel
"Today we are partnering with an organization, the cruise industry and we do this every year to bring cheer to some of the communities that we work with and last year we were in Roatan and we are very happy to be doing Belize this year. We know that it's just a small token, but we hope that it will bring cheer to the children."
Arlo Cansino, Destination Planning and Development Assistant, BTB
"Every year we get 200 kids and this year we got 200 kids again and as you can see they are being well entertain with music and of course a clown and face painters. It's all about giving back to the community. The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association, they give back to all the member country; Belize is a member country, so this is not just happening in Belize, it's happening wherever cruise ships go. The FCCA always give back to member countries. Earlier this year we had the poster competition where Belize came in 2nd and 3rd, so it's just giving back to the country and giving back to the communities that benefit from tourism."
A possible tourism career was the last thing on their minds. As usual, it was all about the many joys of the Christmas party.
Daniel August, Participant
"I am enjoying everything in the party and that the clown is making us play games - this is the funniest party I ever came to before."
Courtney Weatherburne
"Are you enjoying the party so far?"
Aaliyah Hyde, Trinity Methodist School
"Yes."
Courtney Weatherburne
"What are you enjoying about it so far?"
Aaliyah Hyde, Trinity Methodist School
"The games."
Kemarry Medina, Buttonwood Bay Nazarene School
"I like the fun activities."
Courtney Weatherburne
"What else are you looking forward to throughout the day? I hear that Santa Claus is coming and Mrs. Claus is coming, what else are you looking forward to?"
Kemarry Medina, Buttonwood Bay Nazarene School
"Face painting."
160 children showed up. They catered for 200 kids but those who could not make it will still receive their gifts.
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