Yule spirit in local schools

Christmas spirit has been running through Mid-Valley schools, in the form of pageants, visits from Santa Claus and plenty of parties.

Children at King Avenue Elementary in Yuba City had a “Spirit Week,” during which they wore different outfits each day, including pajamas and “Crazy Sock Day.”

At Linda Elementary on Wednesday, students lined up to see the jolly man himself, who was passing out apples and granting Christmas wishes. Kim Austin, the school's technical support person and a member of the Parent-Teacher Association, said the kids are thrilled to see Santa and can hardly wait to get their apples.

At Arboga Elementary, the children sang Christmas songs with much animation, including “I'm Getting Nothin' For Christmas,” in which students acted out the naughty deeds in the lyrics. Several parents videotaped and snapped pictures while their youngsters waved and tried to sing at the same time.

“The kids absolutely love it,” Jolie Carreon, the school's principal, said. “They have so much fun; it's the best part of the year for them, I think.”