North Bergen resident Alexandra Espinal, 8, knew exactly what she wanted to ask Santa for when she and other kids wrote letters as part of the Housing Authority’s annual Christmas tree lighting on Monday, Nov. 28.
“I want to play a Hello Kitty game,” she said, explaining why she asked for a Nintendo DS.
This was the second annual event, during which the kids enjoyed cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit to Santa. They wrote letters to put in a mailbox to send to Santa as well. They also saw the tree lit on Meadowview Avenue.
“I wanted to get my son into the festive spirit.” — resident Mairellys M.
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“I wanted to get my son into the festive spirit,” said resident Mairellys M. about her son Ryan C., 6. His Christmas list was filled with Spider-Man toys.
Resident Isabella B., 6, put Barbie, Shopkins, and Trollz on her list. She said she’s excited to go to Winterfest, the town’s annual street party, coming to Bergenline Avenue Thursday, Dec. 1.
“We try to fulfill the presents as best as we can,” said Kathryn Paletta, the tenant services director.
“Last year a lot of kids got what they asked for, and they were excited about it,” Sanzari said. “And each year it’s going to get bigger.”
Minutes before the tree was lit the children were greeted with a surprise visit from Santa. He was accompanied by Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, and Commissioner Julio Marenco.
The group handed out candy canes to all the children and posted for photos.
“We had a tall, healthy Santa visit us this year,” Mayor Sacco said. “This has become a tradition, and it’s great for the community.”
Children were surprised by “snow” blowing around the 12-foot lit up Christmas tree. Sanzari said the fake snow is something new for the continuing tradition.
“This is like our own little Rockefeller Center,” Marenco said.
When children mailed their letters, Vainieri wished everyone a happy holiday and said, “Remember to be good this year, kids.”
“May you guys get everything you want this year,” Marenco said. “Well, half of everything, because you want to save some for next year.”