Santa and Mrs. Claus made an emergency visit to the Minner family on Sunday to catch up on Christmas. James and Amanda Minner, and their four children, have relocated to a Town of Lockport rental house following a Christmas Eve fire that destroyed their Hartland home.
Fire engines brought the kingpin of Christmas and his sack of presents from the far north of Hartland to the Minners’ new neighborhood under sirens and flashing lights. Although she was in on the plan, Amanda Minner was brought to tears at the sight of the celebration and family friends from the Hartland Volunteer Fire Company.
The fanfare was a surprise for the Minner children, who were stunned and choked up to see Christmas return to their family and were quick to hug Mrs. Claus, also known as Cherie Anterline.
“They’re so appreciative, said Margot Collins, their grandmother. “They’re such good kids. Very wholesome and old-fashioned. They never feel entitled to anything.”
Once everyone gathered indoors, Santa, played by Bill Anterline, said he was sad to see the Minner house on fire when he flew over Hartland at Christmas.
Hartland Fire Chief Nicholas Daningburg said Carleen Baughman, the department’s president, had started talking about a Christmas celebration without days of the fire. Daningburg said the fire company had prepared to deliver the gifts a week ago, but the windstorm had them responding to emergencies.
There were smiles and a few more tears as the family opened gifts. Colin received new hockey equipment. There were stuffed animals, a hairdryer for Alayna, a purse for Alexis, and a Harry Potter figure of Dobby for Gia, age 7.
In awe of Mrs. Claus, Gia gave her hugs after opening each gift.
Turning a corner, dad James gasped, “Ooooh,” when he saw the new bicycles and helmets the fire company quietly wheeled into the entryway.
“This is unbelievable,” he said. “This is going to restore their love of Christmas!”
The family’s insurance company arranged their two-story rental home and furnished the bedrooms, sitting rooms, and dining room.