Rich Larsen and his five grand children: Mikayla Smith (age 8), Nathan (5) & Spencer (2) Bennett, and Jocelyn (1) & Sloane (5 months) Larsen Photo Sophie Braccini

On December 16, Rich and Carol Larsen had their children and five grandchildren, ages five months to eight years old, over for a pre-Christmas celebration in their Country Club home. About 6:30 p.m. the doorbell rang. When the children opened the door they came face to face with Santa Claus. The jolly old elf shared drinks and sweets with the families and took notes as the kids detailed their Christmas wish-lists.

"He was the real Santa, I tugged on his beard to be sure," said one of the children, while his cousin hoped that Santa would come back on Christmas Eve with more presents.

The special visit was arranged by Rich Larson's step-daughter, Carrie Smith, an Orinda resident who had heard about the Moraga Parks and Recreation Department's pact with the North Pole. "It is a wonderful idea," said Larsen, "it was a very special moment for our family."