Santa drove into Lake Houston Saturday, Dec. 5. The jolly old elf commandeered a bright red fire engine as the Atascocita Fire Department hosted a drive-thru Santa Express.

For several hours, car after car, filled with excited children, arrived to receive a hand-decorated ornament, a holiday goody bag, and a chance to take a picture with Santa, all while following safe distancing practices. The children also had the handy benefit of using a mailbox specially designated for letters to Santa. The event was co-sponsored by the Atascocita Fire Department, Project Love-Santa’s Angels, and The Rustic Brush-Fall Creek. Each year, the AFD holds a Christmas activity for the children of Atascocita as a fundraising event. This year, however, the event was absolutely free to all who showed up. It’s been a rough year for these kids, and all involved wanted to make sure that as many kids as possible got to see Santa.