POST FALLS — The stockings were hung 'round the Legion with care, kids said hi to St. Nicholas, who sat in his chair.

Crafting tables were scattered with glitter and glue as wee ones made ornaments of green, red, white and blue.

'Twas a festive Christmas party at Post 143, where goody bags and stuffed animals were given with glee.

Cookies and cocoa and fun little toys brought miles of smiles to the good girls and the boys.

"Merry Christmas!" said Santa to each person there. The Post Christmas party was truly a joyous affair.

The banquet room in the Post Falls American Legion bustled with festive activity Saturday afternoon as families had their pictures taken with Santa and enjoyed a relaxing time mingling with other parents as their kiddos created colorful masterpieces to take home.

"It's fun," said Hanna Heathcoat, 9, who made ornaments with her little sister, Charlotte Heathcoat, 7, and grandma Lisa Rivera of Post Falls. Charlotte was in the holiday spirit, with a reindeer antler headband and a red-painted nose.

"They were looking forward to coming," said Rivera, who is a Legion member.

She said when she brought her older granddaughter to the event years ago, she was most interested in inspecting the flags the Legion has placed around the room.

"It opened her eyes and later she volunteered here," Rivera said.

She said these events are significant because they introduce kids to what the American Legion does.

"They see the flags, they learn a little bit about our nation, being an American and what it means. It also helps the little kids," she said. "And even if it's just a goody bag they're getting, some of these kids won't get too much for Christmas. It helps them too, where they get a little something, cookies and time away from the world out there."

Post Falls grandmother Beth Dagastine, who enjoyed craft time with her granddaughter, Linnea Leine, 7, said she thought it was a fantastic event.

"Look at all the smiles," she said. "Even if they come in with a frown, they come in and start smiling. Even the parents."

The party is annually organized by Post 143's American Legion Auxiliary Unit. Renee Lusby, former Auxiliary president, has been the head elf for several years, organizing and making sure every speck of glitter is in the proper place.

"It's been a really good turnout. I was hoping to have more than 130 children and I think we might meet that goal," Lusby said. "They're having a great time."

She said a pre-Christmas holiday event, like the Legion's party, eases some of the anxiety families might have leading up to the big day.

"Everybody wants to open a present right now," she said. "And there's a lot of people that can't afford Christmas. In the past, a mom came in and she didn't have any money so I just loaded her up with presents and goody bags."

Santa's eyes twinkled as he greeted little ones with a "Ho, ho, ho!" and listened to their Christmas wishes.

"I'm doing wonderful," said Santa, played by Coast Guard veteran Roger Schramm. "Having a blast."