On a cold, snowy afternoon just days before Christmas, Santa Claus paid a special visit to the newsroom at The Journal of the San Juan Islands.

He wanted to remind islanders that despite the wintry weather conditions, he plans to stroll the streets of downtown Friday Harbor on Christmas Eve.

For the past 17 years, Santa Claus carves out time in his busy schedule to greet locals in person on Dec. 24. With a sack full of goodies, the jolly ol’ elf wanders the streets wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas.”

One of Santa’s favorite gifts to share are teddy bears. Over the years, thousands of teddy bears have been given to the young and old. He recalls how the bears have traveled into the hands of many all over the world. His bears have touched the lives of many.

“A couple of years ago, I met a woman walking alone on the streets of Friday Harbor on Christmas Eve,” Santa said. “I stopped to wish her a Merry Christmas and told her to choose something from Santa’s sack. The tearful lady said she was new to Friday Harbor and had no family. The teddy bear she had selected was her only gift for Christmas.”

One can suppose that our island has found a special place in Santa’s heart.

Santa shared one last story before taking off on his sleigh. “I will always remember the time a little girl sat on my lap and asked for a very special Christmas gift. She only had one request,” he said as he buttoned his red coat to brave the cold and snowy weather. “A live duck!”