Santa Visits Fanwood

About 100 family, friends and neighbors waited for eagerly for Santa to arrive at the Lynch Family home on Hunter Avenue. Although Santa travels around to the homes of boys and girls all over Fanwood, the Lynchs, who have three children of their own, have held this gathering of holiday cheer for twelve years in a row.

As Fanwoodians young and old stood in the brisk but beautiful weather, enjoying donuts and hot chocolate (or even an ice cold brewsky), Dan Lynch noted that his wife Judi also invites party goers to bring a new toy to donate to children in need this holiday season.

"We are very lucky to have such generous friends and neighbors," Lynch stated.

As Santa Claus finally made the turn off of North Avenue and onto Hunter escorted by none other than a jolly Chief Trigo and members of the Fanwood Police Department and Fanwood Rescue Squad, the Lynch front yard turned into a sea of smiles and joyous greetings for old Saint Nick, who did his best to distribute brown paper packages carrying Christmas surprises.

As he waited eagerly on the front steps watching his Christmas hero come down the street, one boy turned to this Patch Editor, celebrating her 16th Christmas in Fanwood and said:

"I smell Santa!"

And I replied, "What does Santa smell like?"

"Cookies!" he exclaimed. Happy Holidays Fanwood! Stay safe and warm, and most importantly, enjoy the time spent with your friends and family this season.