Santa has already been to many places throughout the communities the Patriot covers; for breakfasts, for tree lightings, for fundraisers and more. On Sat., Dec. 13, Santa came to Pizza Depot in Becker for joy.

Community Minded

For the past nine years, Pizza Depot has invited Santa Claus to visit so its customers could spend some quality time with him, pose for photos, and have fun with the jolly old elf. Three years ago, they added a craft and bake sale to showcase local talent, not to sell more pizza, but to serve the community.

Owner Morgan duMonceaux explained, “We strive to do stuff for the community, something smaller, because it’s nice to have an event with a small family feel.”

She has created that family feel by being consistent. She has used the same Santa for the past nine years, and every vendor who was present on Saturday has been present for the past three years, and her niece, Myla, and friend, Arya, were the elves who helped kids make ornaments and decorate Christmas cookies.

“I just enjoy seeing the kids coming in every year. It brings joy!” said duMonceaux, who was not worried about the near zero temps lowering turnout. “We don’t do this for the money; we do it for the experience. We could have two kids come in and it would be worth it.”

Lincoln visits Santa

DuMonceaux’s family was ready to meet Santa. Her brother Brady, his wife Kayla, and their two kids, Lincoln (3) and newborn Elowen, were waiting patiently for his arrival.

Brady explained that Lincoln had not sat on Santa’s lap since becoming a toddler but was very interested in who he was. 

“You definitely want to get that classic picture because it’s something you’ll look at for years and years, but we’re coming in with low expectations,” Brady said.  

He was very conscious of how his son perceived his visit with Santa. 

“From a kid’s perspective, they’re thinking, ‘Why are you pushing this guy in a red suit on me?’”

This year, Lincoln would not be pushed, he would be led. Around 1 p.m., duMonceaux grabbed Lincoln’s hand and guided him into the kitchen. A moment later, Lincoln ran out excitedly yelling, “Santa’s here!”

That was the cue that other families needed to get ready for Santa’s entrance. Smiles lit up on everyone’s faces and a line quickly formed in front of Santa’s chair. First in line was Lincoln, who looked at Santa and said, “Hi, I’m Lincoln.”  He quickly took his place next to Santa Claus to talk to him.

Lincoln’s mother Kayla said shortly after, “I was so proud of him!”  Recapping his conversation, she explained that he told Santa he was good and was taking care of his baby sister before asking him for a red monster truck.

Throughout the afternoon, that same experience was repeated by all the families who came to visit Santa and that is the joy that duMonceaux was talking about--the simple joy of being together, a joy that will be repeated for years and years.