PARIS — Julien Frank, 5, of Oxford, watched his 2-year-old sister, Clover, sitting on Santa’s lap, and nervously inched closer.

In a tiny voice, he asked Santa for a “Pop the Pig” game, and his sisters both agreed it was fine gift to ask for.

The annual children’s Christmas party in the Paris Public Library on Saturday yielded “a good turnout,” board of trustees member and volunteer Bonnie Ripley said.

Tiny tots with eyes all aglow decorated cookies, listened to stories, made ornaments, and, of course, visited with Santa.

“We try to have parties on all holidays so kids can enjoy it,” Ripley said, and every year Mike Coulombe of Norway dresses up as Santa.

This holiday, the children in attendance were thinking about the true meaning of Christmas.

“You have to give some love,” said Waylon Gauthier, 5, of Minot.

For others, it was about who they spend it with.

For Bethany Reed, 9, of South Paris, just having the holiday season with someone special is what Christmas is all about.

“It’s not just about getting presents and having fun,” said Ryan Smith, 9, of South Paris. “It’s spending time with family.”

For Clover Frank, Christmas simply means happiness, and her sister, Annabella, is most excited to play in the snow and open presents.

One little, old soul in the crowd, Kamden Aube-LeClair, 3, of South Paris, said his favorite thing about Christmas was baby Jesus, and the Grinch movie.

“I just love working with children,” Ripley said.

emarquis@sunmediagroup.net

Clover Frank, 2, of Oxford, sits on Santa’s lap, while her sister, Annabella, 3, waits, perhaps not so patiently, for her turn, at the annual children’s Christmas party at the Paris Public Library in South Paris on Saturday. (Liz Marquis/Sun Journal)

Kadence Walker, 6, of West Paris, played “pin the heart on the Grinch” while her twin sister, Karrah, watched, at the annual children’s Christmas party at the Paris Public Library on Saturday. (Liz Marquis/Sun Journal)