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One lucky Chicago Parent reader will have the “best of both worlds” when they win a Hannah Montana costume—youth small (wig and microphone not included)—from the Disney Store. For more information, visit disneystore.com. To win, tell us your family’s favorite Santa stories. Once you have posted, e-mail your answer, name and Chicago Parent ID to e-dition@chicagoparent.com. In submitting your comments, you are granting Chicago Parent permission to run them now or in the future. You must post and e-mail us for your answer to be counted. There may only be one winner per household every 30 days. We will not release your e-mail information--it is purely for contact purposes. Wednesday Journal Inc. reserves the right to change contest rules at any time. Winners will be chosen at random and may have no affiliation with Wednesday Journal Inc. or its employees.

Want another chance at winning great prizes this week? Check out our other contest, a Miffy prize pack here.

This contest is now closed. Thanks to everyone who participated.

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Kate Pancero
Assistant Editor/Weekend E-dition Editor
FabMama columnist
Chicago Parent

When I was little we always went to my mother's family's for Christmas Eve and Santa would come to visit after dinner.  One year, my brother, who was the oldest of us 5 kids, noticed a very close resemblance between the shoes that Santa was wearing and the shoes our Uncle Tony was wearing... I think that was the beginning of the end for us...

Our family loves all of Santa's helpers.  In our house we have visits from Undie Elf, Sweet Tooth Elf and sometimes other helpers like "Bookworm Elf" and, of course, Rudolph.  Rudolph's days may be numbered, though, as Santa had to write a note that Rudolph stepped on one of the boxes and that's why it was so crushed.  He did better last year, though, and Santa wrote us a note about that also.  We just love how Santa communicates with us here!  He also has "ins" with the Tooth Fairy.  The year my daughter lost a tooth on Christmas the T.F. left a note telling us that Santa told her the tooth was here.  Go Santa! 

Some of the histories mas important that have changed our lives, Is that of Jesus' birth. I believe that this one is the important for our family.

 

Mike

Our favorite Santa story is how Santa comes every Christmas Eve. We leave cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Then we left a special santa key on the front door so that santa can get in since we don't have a fireplace. The kids love Christmas Eve!

One of our favorite Santa story is when my 5 yr. old (then, now 8 yrs. old) made a list of gifts that he wanted Santa to get him.
He opened all his presents and were very happy but there was one big present that was waiting for him. He opened it and after seeing what it was he got upset and said that Santa doesn't read his list very well .... he never asked for a mini hockey table!

Every Christmas Eve as a child we went to my great aunt and uncle's house.  My great uncle has dressed up as Santa for years.  Our family loves to talk about when my cousin realized his grandfather dressed up as Santa every year.  He is 13 now but for the last few years, he honestly thought his grandfather was the real Santa and his day job was a cover up and their vacation home in WI was the workshop.  I laugh just thinking about it. 

My favorite Santa story doesn't have so much to do with my family as it does with my friends' family.  My best friends, while growing up, were twin sisters.  They were the oldest of nine kids  and their family didn't have alot of money.  I was considered the tenth child and included in alot of what they did.  I spent one Christmas Eve at their house and, after dinner, Santa made an appearance.  Each kid received one gift, either a coat or a pair of boots.  I felt bad, thinking about how their gifts paled in comparison to what I would receive in the morning.  Looking back, I remember how happy they were to see Santa and how much they loved those gifts.  Those kids are all grown up, raising families of their own.  While they aren't struggling like their parents did, they still have strong values and are very dedicated to family.

Congratulations to twcormack who has won a Hannah Montana costume—youth small (wig and microphone not included)—from the Disney Store. For more information, visit disneystore.com. Thanks to everyone who participated and best of luck in future contests.

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Kate Pancero
Assistant Editor/Weekend E-dition Editor
FabMama columnist
Chicago Parent