Santa Claus to join kids for lunch on Friday
Just four days before Christmas, while his elves are feverishly putting the finishing touches on toys, the Main Elf himself, Santa Claus, will take time out from his busy schedule for lunch.
And up to 30 lucky children will get to join him.
Does he like junk food? Is he a fussy eater? Does he worry about calories -- getting too many or not getting enough? These mysteries may be about to be revealed.
Santa is expected to drop by the Edward Health and Fitness Center at Seven Bridges between noon and 1:30 p.m. Friday for a last-minute nosh.
And he and his fellow luncheon attendees will take a break from the usual holiday fare. Instead of sugarplums, gingerbread, turkey and eggnog, the holiday table will be laden with several children's favorites.
"We'll have hot dogs, chips and juice boxes," said Colleen Eggers, the center's children's program manager.
There also will be candy canes, she said, and bells at the luncheon, which is designed for children ages 3 to 11. The bells are a symbol that those familiar with "The Polar Express" would appreciate. The hero of the book gets a special present from Santa, a bell from his magic sleigh.
Eggers said the story, by Chris Van Allsburg, will be read aloud.
"Then Santa comes in," she said.
Children will get the chance to confide their Christmas wishes and get their photographs taken with Santa. They'll also get to listen to carolers and play Christmas games.
"We'll limbo to Christmas music, play freeze-dance with Santa and do 'Santa says' instead of 'Simon says,' " she said.
Eggers said Santa has been making a habit of stopping by the Woodridge fitness center shortly before his round-the-world Christmas Eve sleigh ride.
"We've been doing it probably the last five years," she said, adding that advanced registration is required.
Children who visit the center that day don't get to have all the fun.
"The parents are welcome to come," she said.
If you go
What: Lunch with Santa
Who: Children ages 3 to 11
Where: Edward Health and Fitness Center at Seven Bridges, 6600 S. Route 53, Woodridge
When: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday
Cost: $15 for nonmembers; $10 for members
Info: (630) 646-7940 or www.edward.org