2018 Schedule
July 2018
July 15th: Ride for Kids, Kane County Cougar Stadium, 9:00am – 2:30pm Open to the Public
July 17th: Shriners Hospital, Oak Park, Illinois, 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Closed Event
July 27th: Christmas in July Swim Event, Hinsdale, Illinois. Closed Event
August 2018
August 7th: National Night Out, Elgin, Illinois, 5:00pm – 8:30pm. Open to the Public
November 2018
November 6th: Elgin Police, Pictures with Pets, Charity Event. Open to the Public
November 10th: Lens2Life Photographers, 1:00pm-5:00pm. Closed Event
November 11th: Lens2Life Photographers, 12:00pm-3:00pm. Closed Event
November 17th: Downers Grove Polar Express 8:30am–3:00pm. Open to the Public
November 18th: Photo Shoot Stacey Vitello. 9:30am-3:00pm. Closed Event
November 29th: Advocate Health Care, Oak Brook, Illinois, 9:00am- 1:00pm. Closed Event
November 30th: Advocate Health Care, Oak Brook, 9:00am-3:00pm. Closed Event
December 2018
December 1st: Hinsdale, Breakfast with Santa 9:00am-10:00am. Closed Event
December 1st: Wasco Nursery, Wasco, Illinois 12:00noon-4:00pm. Open to the Public
December 3rd: Senior Star Weber Place, Romeoville, Illinois. 9:00am – 12:00noon. Private Event
December 4th: ReMax/Destiny, Private Event. Closed Event
December 8th: St. Charles Bank, St. Charles, Illinois, 9:00am – 12:00noon. Open to the Public
December 8th: Kane County Country Market, Maple Park, Illinois, 3:00pm – 7:00pm. Open to the Public
December 12th: Lexington Square Senior Center, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Private Event
December 13th: Thorson Law, Rosemont, Illinois, 8:30pm – 9:30pm. Private Event
December 15th: Chicago Botanic Gardens, Breakfast with Santa 8:00am-1:00pm. Open to the Public
December 15th: Home Visit 4:00pm – 5:00pm. Private Event
December 16th: Chicago Botanic Gardens, Breakfast with Santa 8:00am-1:00pm. Open to the Public
December 16th: Kane County Country Market, Maple Park, Illinois, 3:00pm – 7:00pm. Open to the Public
December 19th: Drake Oak Brook, Oak Brook Illinois High Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus 2:00pm-5:00pm. Open to the Public
December 20th: Drake Oak Brook, Oak Brook Illinois High Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus 2:00pm-5:00pm. Open to the Public
December 21nd: Drake Oak Brook, Oak Brook, Illinois Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus 9:00am-12:00noon. Open to the Public
December 22rd: Drake Oak Brook, Oak Brook, Illinois Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus 9:00am-12:00noon. Open to the Public
More to come. Hope to see you all.
Yule Hymn
150 plus Years Old
“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”, this magnificent hymn, written by the Rev. Edmund Hamilton Sears, will be a favorite with children and older folks alike. It has been more than 150 Christmases: it was composed in 1849 and published a year later in a Boston magazine called the Christian Register. The editor of the Register Dr. Morrison, had received a copy of the hymn from the author soon after its writing. Long before it appeared in print, Dr. Morrison was giving it to his friends verbally. He read it, on one occasion, at a Sunday School Christmas festival where it attracted much interest and praise.
Rev. Sears’ hymn tells in beautiful words of how the singing angels came from Heaven to proclaim peace on earth to the Bethlehem shepherds. It gives assurance to a weary world whose people, troubled and oppressed were still awaiting the fulfillment of the angels’ promises, that the “golden age” foretold by ancient prophets was drawing ever nearer with its gift of universal peace:
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on earth, goodwill
To men,
From heaven’s all-gracious King!”
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.
And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! For glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing:
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.
For lo, the days are hastening on,
By prophets bards foretold,
When with the ever-circling years
Comes round the age of gold;
When peace shall over all the earth
In ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world give back the song
Which now the angels sing.
By Rev. Edmund H. Sears
Portions of this were originally written by Horace B. Powell.
I believe that the singing or reading of the original lyrics brings the world’s difficulties into perspective. We need to have more faith in mankind to work towards a more peaceful world. Caring about our fellow man is very much a part of Christmas.
Thank You
To everyone,
Santa and Mrs. Claus would like to “Thank You”, for a great Christmas season. We enjoyed visiting with every child, family and organization. To all the families we were touched by, “Thank You” for letting us into your homes and for letting us be a part of the events you attended. To all the boys and girls we met, it was delightful talking to you. Your wishes and requests brought a smile to our faces and warmed our hearts. From the special requests of certain toys, to one child wanting peace on Earth and love for all, and others that said I have all I need, Mrs. Claus and I hope we were able to make most of your wishes come true. To the companies and organizations that included us in their events, we want to express a heartfelt, “Thank You”, Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. We look forward to being a part of your events in 2018.
Visits of 2017 season:
- Village of Hinsdale Park & Recreation Department
- Downers Grove Park District, Downers Grove, Illinois
- Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois
- BMO Harris, Hinsdale Illinois
- Lexington Square Senior Center, Lombard, Illinois
- Shriners Children’s Hospital, Oak Park, Illinois
- ReMax-Destiny, Elk Grove, Illinois
- Camping World, Lincolnshire, Illinois
- Marcus Lemonis, LLC, Lincolnshire, Illinois
- Art Van Furniture in Downers Grove, Illinois
- Stacy Vitallo Photography, St. Charles, Illinois
- Seven Bridges Ice Arena, Woodridge, Illinois
- B.A.T.E. of Illinois, DuKane Chapter, West Chicago, Illinois
- The Chapel at Immaculate Conception, Elmhurst, Illinois
- The Drake Oak Brook, Oak Brook, Illinois
- Aurora Bank and Trust, Aurora, Illinois
- WASCO Nursery, Wasco, Illinois
- Elgin Police, Elgin, Illinois
- The Ride For Kids, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
- Advocate Health Care/Children’s Hospital, Oak Brook, Illinois
- Lens2Life Photography, Gilberts, Illinois
- Kane County Country Market, Maple Park, Illinois
- Herbster Hockey School, Grays Lake Ice Arena, Grays Lake , Illinois
- Promotional Network Inc., Berkley, Michigan
- Gina Bacon, Nationwide Santas, Las Vegas, Nevada
- and all the homes and private parties we visited.
Things are looking up for 2017
Santa and Mrs. Claus are looking forward to another great season. We will be returning to a number of our events from the last few years as well as enjoying some new partnerships. Mrs. Claus and I are hoping to continue your traditions and start new ones. To everyone we meet we want to bring joy, happiness and the true spirit of Christmas to you and yours. To the companies, organizations, and friends, old and new, that have included us in their events for 2017, we would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year in 2018.
Partnerships for the 2017 season are:
- Village of Hinsdale Park & Recreation Department
- Downers Grove Park District
- Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe, Illinois
- BMO Harris, Hinsdale Illinois
- Lexington Square Senior Center, Lombard, Illinois
- Shriners Children’s Hospital, Oak Park, Illinois
- Advocate Children’s Hospital, Oak Brook, Illinois
- ReMax-Destiny, Elk Grove, Illinois
- Camping World, Lincolnshire, Illinois
- Marcus Lemonis, LLC, Lincolnshire, Illinois
- Art Van Furniture, Downers Grove, Illinois
- Stacy Vitallo Photography, Batavia, Illinois
- Seven Bridges Ice Arena, Woodridge, Illinois
- A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, DuKane Chapter, West Chicago, Illinois
- The Chapel at Immaculate Conception, Elmhurst, Illinois
- The Drake Oak Brook, Oak Brook, Illinois
- Aurora Bank and Trust, Aurora, Illinois
- WASCO Nursery, Wasco, Illinois
- Elgin Police, Elgin, Illinois
- The Ride For Kids, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
- Lens2Life Photography, Gilberts , Illinois
- Kane County Country Market, Maple Park, Illinois
- Promotional Network, Inc. Berkley, Michigan
- Gina Bacon, Nationwide Santas, Las Vegas, Nevada
- And all the homes and private parties we will be visiting.
Thank you for your trust in us and continuing the Spirit of Christmas with your families and friends.
Best,
Santa and Mrs. Claus
The First Noel
The first Noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay:
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far:
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel.
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from the country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
This star drew nigh to the north-west;
O’er Bethlehem it took it’s rest,
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
Then entered in those wise men three,
Fell reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the kind of Israel.
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
Here is an old English carol whose origin probably will remain forever in doubt.
Its words and music first appeared in a collection of “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern” published by William Sandys in London in 1833.
Several other Christmas favorites, including the song “I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In” and “God Rest You, Merry Gentleman,” were in the same collection.
“The First Noel” is regarded as a true folk song. Its strength and charm lie in its simple message.
There is evidence that the music, a traditional melody, came from the west of England.
The song tells the Christmas story as it is found in the Scriptures, of the Bethlehem shepherds who first discovered the magic star in the eastern sky on Christmas Eve and of the Three Wise Men who followed the star as it led them to the manger birthplace of Jesus where they worshiped the newborn Savior and offered their gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense.
Authored by Horace B. Powell
Santa’s Christmas Prayer
On Christmas Eve the other night
I saw the most amazing sight,
for there beneath the Christmas tree
was Santa upon one knee.
His countenance was different than
that all-familiar, jolly grin;
his head was bowed, with hand to breast,
and slightly tucked into his vest.
For there in a nativity
was Jesus and His family,
And as I heard him start to pray
I listened closely to what he’d say.
“Lord, you know that you’re the reason
I take pleasure in this season.
I don’t want to take your place,
but just reflect your wondrous grace.
I hope you’ll help them understand
I’m just an ordinary man,
who found a way to do your will
by finding kids with needs to fill.
But all those centuries ago,
there was no way for me to know
that they would make so much of me,
and all the gifts beneath the tree.
They think I have some hidden power
granted at the midnight hour,
but it is my love for you
inspiring the things I do.
So when they begin to open
gifts for which they have been hoping,
may they give you all the glory,
for you’re the One True Christmas story.”
Chicago Botanic Garden
Dear Robert and Carol aka “Santa and Mrs. Claus”,
Thank you so much for making our annual Breakfast with Santa spectacular. We have received many calls, emails and social media comments on how authentic you both are from head to toe. One of my most favorite comments comes from a guest in her 50’s stating that every year she comes to the event, because seeing you both makes her “believe”. Guests of all ages enjoy seeing you; even we employees can’t wait to hear that “Santa and Mrs. Claus are on grounds.”
I am honored to work with the real Santa and Mrs. Claus year after year! Thank you for all you do for us.
All the best-
Michelle Cinqui
Chicago Botanic Garden; Coordinator Visitor Events and Programs
Village of Hinsdale
To Whom It May Concern,
It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend Robert and Carol Hildreth to portray Santa and Mrs. Claus at your next event.
I have known the Hildreth’s for four years now and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with them. They have portrayed Santa and Mrs. Claus at our annual Breakfast with Santa and Polar express events, as well as participating in our July 4th parade.
When you think of the traditional Santa and Mrs. Claus, you imagine jolly, friendly, smiling people who bring joy to all around them. In addition to Roberts’s natural beard and Santa-like presence, and Carol’s bright personality, they both fully embody these characteristics. They have helped take our events to a new level and have been an absolute pleasure to work with.
Without a doubt I confidently recommend Robert and Carol, as Santa and Mrs. Claus, to join your next event. I know they will be a wonderful addition and asset to your organization.
Please feel free to contact me at should you like to discuss the Hildreths’ qualifications and experience further. I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation.
Best wishes,
Heather Bereckis
Manager of Parks & Recreation
Village of Hinsdale
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Santa and Mrs. Claus have been visiting the kids here at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Chicago for the last few years. We get so excited for their visit. They make sure all the kids are seen in our outpatient clinic to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Santa and Mrs. Claus are the real deal.
Santa is so patient and takes the time to listen to the kids share their stories and what they wish for Christmas. He has a way to communicating with our patients no matter their background, their age, or their interests. He can spontaneously have a conversation with ease and can even answer their questions about the elf on a shelf. Santa has a myriad of knowledge as he has proven he can relate to any child at any age.
When you look at Santa, you believe. The authenticity is remarkable. The kids AND adults stand in amazement and take a double take as if they are saying to themselves “Do you see what I see”? As a children’s hospital we get many characters visit during the holidays. Many of our teen patients are not interested in approaching them at all. THIS Santa however is different and ALL of our patients whether 2 or 21 enjoy talking with him and invite them in. He has the ability to touch the hearts of so many with his warmth and caring nature.
I highly recommend Robert for your holiday events. He is authentic and has a heart of gold. You will not be disappointed.
Sincerely,
Darlene Kelly, CTRS
Director Recreation Therapy/.Child Life Department
Shriners Hospitals for Children – Chicago
Aldo Risolvo, Photographer
I have worked with Bob and Carol now for about 5 years. Our relationship started out with portraits of them, Santa headshots, and quickly moved to working together on many projects as Santa. From small quaint occasions to all out hundreds of people waiting in line. Each time I am impressed with him. I hear that time and time again from different clients we’ve worked with as well. No matter the crowd he makes it seem like you’ve known him for years. Children aside, he knows how to handle adults as well, which is very important. When it comes with dealing with children is where Bob shines the most. Yes, he makes an outstanding looking Santa but his skills with the kids is where he really shines. He makes each one feel special, even in a group setting. He talks with them, laughs with them, he listens to them. Bob and Carol are very professional and both love kids dearly, they know how to care for them, and how to manage them as well. I would recommend Bob in a heartbeat, I love working with them.
Aldo Risolvo, Photographer