It's a clear, frosty, Saturday morning in December and the air is tingling with excitement. The sidewalks are lined with rosy-cheeked children and their families, all eagerly waiting for the celebration to start. Before long, the beginning of the procession can be seen coming down the street. Fancily clad majorettes lead the way, followed by the uniformed marching bands and the brightly decorated floats. As the festivities continue, the children strain to see, further down the way, a Palomino pony adorned with Christmas wreaths, boots, ribbons, candy canes and holly – and a warm, woolen scarf around his neck – escorting the guest of honor: Santa Claus!