POST FALLS — While Jolly Old St. Nick is finalizing plans for his big night, his lovely bride is doing some last-minute Christmas shopping.

In her travels on Wednesday, Mrs. Claus stopped by Garden Plaza in Post Falls to spread holiday cheer and bring joy to kids from 1 to 92.

"This is a book about how I saved Christmas," Mrs. Claus said in a chipper sing-song voice as she held up the book "A Bit of Applause for Mrs. Claus" for all to see. "Yes, I want to let you know that I’m a little bit of a help to Santa."

More than 60 wee ones, moms and Garden Plaza residents gathered 'round the Christmas tree in the main lobby as Mrs. Claus, her assistant Elfie M. and their kitty puppet friends read stories and led sing-alongs.

Rave reviews followed.

"I thought it was great. I love how they sing and do the reading of the books and interact with the kids,” said Esperanda Smidt, who brought her 1-year-old son, Elias, to join in the fun. "I think it’s a really good idea. I think we should do it more often."

"I love how they’re animated and they get the kids involved,” said Holly Boyce of Post Falls, who attended with her daughter, Oakley, 4. "It’s entertaining for literally babies on up."

Strollers and walkers were placed on the outskirts of the room as Mrs. Claus, played by Community Library Network youth services specialist Cherie Millsap, and Elfie M. (Post Falls youth services librarian Morgan Kertson) talked to "Meg" the cranky cat puppet. Meg insisted that Santa forego putting "black diamonds" in her stocking yet again this year.

"Is that why you're so sooty?" Mrs. Claus asked Meg, causing a wave of giggles.

Many of the little ones said sweet hellos to their older counterparts, sometimes reaching for their canes or looking up at them with wonder.

"For the elderly to see all these little people really puts big smiles on their faces,” said Garden Plaza resident Barbara Jones, adding: "I don’t consider myself an elderly person; I consider myself a mature person."

Resident Jean Thomson, who merrily jingled sleigh bells with the kids during the "Jingle Bells" sing-along, said Garden Plaza always has a way of thinking about everyone.

“They do a lot of thoughtful things for the rest of the community," she said. "At Halloween, they bring in candy and we pass it out. The people who run this place think of everything."

After a few stories and songs, Mrs. Claus had to bid her friends farewell to head back to the North Pole. She stayed for a few photos before she disappeared in a twinkling.

"I love their imagination; I like bringing it to life," she said. "They know Mrs. Claus, but to be able to see Mrs. Claus and interact is really fun for me."

The visit was coordinated by the elves of the Community Library Network. This was the fifth year Mrs. Claus made an appearance at Garden Plaza.

"I just think it’s such a great way to connect the generations,” said Elfie. "The first time we came here, there was a woman and she was just in tears and said, ‘This was the best day this year,’ and of course then I’m in tears. It’s great. We love it. This is definitely the biggest one that we had."