Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 133 No. 2 Winter 2011-2012 | Page 9

Remembering the
Holidays
One of many unique ways that the Wisconsin
School for the Deaf empowers our young Deaf
students to know that they will grow up to be
talented Deaf adults is through their connections
and interactions with the Deaf Community.
With that said, there is no greater hero at
holiday time than the magical Deaf Santa who
appears promptly every year at the close of the
children’s holiday program. This is a tradition
dating back as far as most of us can remember.
People of all ages make this evening special.
Long before the performance, talented costume
designers and stage construction crews are
busy creating a work of art. Traditionally,
the elementary department performs a play
which in recent years has featured children’s
storybooks. Dating back over time the themes
have ranged from traditional Christmas stories
or portrayed songs to talent shows and skits.
Often the middle school students have served
as performers, helpers and stage crew. A variety
of student clubs and organizations have added
their sparkle including: the ASL Clubs, Sign
Song Dancers, and the Jr. NAD. For over twenty
years, the night has been capped off with Tom
Haribson’s delightful signed storytelling of The
Night Before Christmas at which time Deaf
Santa welcomes the children often by name to
discover their dearest Christmas wishes. Tom
Harbison remembers Deaf Santa’s visit as far
back as 1957 when Tom was a young student at
WSD. This is a special event which our students
share with their siblings and many children of
the WSD staff join in on the fun. Gathering
around, Santa is always happy to provide that
favorite photo of children on his lap.

Winter 2012 - 9