The Jefferson Street Preschool will be hosting its second annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday.

Last year was a great success. We had an overwhelming turnout, even with inclement weather!

The event is a fundraiser for the preschool, and we had phenomenal results. So many families braved the nasty weather to come out and begin this wonderful Christmas tradition and to support this gem of a school.

Doesn’t everyone need a photo of him or herself as a young child, howling on Santa’s lap?

My kids did just fine on their very first visit to see Santa, but once they were old enough to protest being handed off to a strange man with abundant facial hair and loud clothing, they sure made a fuss.

So why do we do this to our kids? Because this tradition has become part of what we do at Christmas time, a regular part of growing up celebrating Christmas in America.

Jefferson Street Preschool wants Breakfast with Santa to be a regular part of growing up celebrating Christmas in Natchez. And children really do enjoy the whole experience once they start to understand that Santa’s the one with the big red sleigh and the bag full of toys!

Santa will be visiting Jefferson Street Church’s Family Life Center (511 Jefferson St.) on from 8 until 11 a.m. Saturday.

This is a great way to give your children or grandchildren the chance to chat with Santa and enjoy a delicious breakfast!

The menu will include eggs, sausage, pancakes, grits, juice and coffee.

The ticket price of $10 covers breakfast and a photo with Santa. Adults who attend with their children only need to buy a ticket if they would also like to eat breakfast.

Coffee will complimentary! There will also be a Christmas bake sale, with lots of yummy homemade pies, cakes and cookies available for purchase.

This entire event is a fundraiser for the Jefferson Street Preschool, but is also becoming a wonderful contribution to our community.

Last year was a great success, mostly because all the children and families who came had a terrific time. Tickets and more information are available at Jefferson Street Church, 601-442-3795, or preschool, 601-445-8098.

We look forward to another very special morning this year, celebrating this great new Christmas tradition with our families and yours.

Catherine Misita is a Jefferson Street Preschool supporter.