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6 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2019 By Sherrie Chaparro, Resident This holiday season Santa isn't coming to town… because he already lives here! For over 45 years, Larry "Kris Kringle" Gillis, with wife Viv as Santa's Helper, has brought Santa to life for his friends, family, co-workers and strangers. It first started when he was just 17, doing odd jobs for a local afternoon paper in the city of Orange. The editor wanted a photo of Santa near the Orange Circle. As a kid, Larry was a big guy, so they rented a suit and trotted him out to take the photo. Larry was somewhat embarrassed by all the attention from children on the street, and didn't really get into the role. Fast forward six years, and a more confident Larry was working as assistant manager at Lucky's, when the manager needed a Santa for weekend holiday shoppers. Once again, Larry was the designated man. This time around, however, he got into the role and enjoyed meeting with all the children. In fact, the manager's wife brought their kids around to meet Santa, and was so impressed she whipped up a made-to-measure Santa suit for Larry to wear each year. A Christmas star is born! About this time, he was also making Santa appearances at his aunt and uncle's day care center, and at family get- togethers. After Larry and Viv were married, she took on the role of Santa's Helper. Each year they would throw a huge holiday party for friends, co-workers and family. Viv would sing the lead-in, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, and the jolly fat man would appear. Except the one time he forgot his gloves, and Viv was left holding the proverbial bag. Eventually they moved to an area in Chino known for its neighborhood Christmas lights display. Besides decorating the house, Larry as Santa would stand outside and wave at the kids. Word of mouth spread, and he ended up with lines of children two blocks long and gave out as many as 2,000 candy canes. So why does he do it? Larry says he sees something magical in a child's eyes when they are looking at him as Santa, "like you are looking into their souls." And who wouldn't want to look into the magical souls of young children at such a happy time? Will the Real Santa Please Stand Up? By Clare Mendez, Resident When I think back on all my Christmases at home growing up in Pennsylvania a few unique memories come to mind. What stands out most was our family Christmas tree. Our Christmas tree was hung by a rope laced through a screw eye in the ceiling. Because we cut down our own tree from the mountain behind our house, the branches were lopsided so if we put the tree in a traditional tree stand it would fall over or tilt precariously to one side. The rope and screw eye stabilized the tree and allowed us to also put a pot of water under the trunk. When needles fell to the floor it was time to toss it out. In comparison, my next door neighbor's Christmas tree was a glamorous, glittering, silver wonder. It stood perfectly straight in the stand and each branch was bent and molded into complete uniform shape. The mini lights reflected off the silver branches and just made it glow. It didn't need watering and never shed its needles so it could stay up well past New Year's Day if they chose. I love to see decorated Christmas trees. Last year a group of us went into neighboring houses to see the beautiful decorations. In my opinion, the centerpiece to all holiday décor is the tree. Some are flocked to look as if they were just brought in from a mountain top and preserved with snow still on the branches. I saw one lady who had an entire woodland scene on the branches. Her tree was decorated with birds, fox, bears, chipmunks and the sort. Another gave homage to snowmen and a third was decorated with antique ornaments which had passed down through the generations. It makes me wonder what you will do with your tree and who will be invited over to see it. Tis the season to be neighborly and to share a hot chocolate and a cookie with a friend or two. Oh Christmas Tree By Theresa Rossetti, Resident A messy, good time was had by all who attended Craft Night with Melissa. We created adorable pumpkin decorations while getting covered with paint, sipping wine and enjoying the delightful charcuterie plates. Thanks, Melissa, for coming up with the idea and for all the fun! Craft Night with Melissa