Time-honored tradition: Sheriff’s Reserves brings Santa to Carson City homes on Christmas Eve

A mighty Ho! Ho! brought bright eyes and wide smiles by the dozens Saturday as Santa Claus made his way though the capital city after sunset, carried not by sleigh but patrol vehicles in a caravan led by the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Reserve Organization.

The bearded men in red and a legion of volunteers dressed as elves made their way to more than 60 homes on Christmas Eve, a tradition that spans 35 years with the sheriff’s office reserve.

Arriving at front doors, neatly wrapped packages were already waiting for Santa to deliver. During the first week of December the sheriff’s office reserve sends a notice out with a hotline number for adults who want their children to experience a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Names and addresses are exchanged with plans for a visit.

Each year the Santa Reserve program brings in sheriff’s office volunteers to staff it, with this year seeing at least five donning the Santa suit and one Grinch for the evening, said Tom Crawford, Carson City Sheriff's Office Reserve Commander, who has coordinated the program for the past 14 years.

New Santas this year included Dave Tustin of Fernley and Sven Inda, a Carson City Sheriff’s Reserve officer. During a briefing before being sent out to neighborhoods, the Santa parade got the quick rundown on how to enter homes and what to say.

Along with Carson City Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Kyle Smith, who served as Santa’s driver and helper, Inda suited up for the mission, noting he’s never played the role before and thought it would be worthwhile.

At the first stop he noticed he forgot his Santa hat at the sheriff’s office. While not an essential part of the costume, it did make him stand out, with Santa having noticeably more white hair than your average aging hippie.

“Whoever makes these costumes ought out to have Santa's hair attached to the hat,” he quipped. With the temperatures dropping, by the third house, Inda gave up on wearing his glasses when they seemingly became fogged over when entering the homes.

“Learning as I go, I’m in this for the whole Santa experience,” he said.

Among the slate of volunteers this year were Guy and Karen Jessop, Emily and Jeff Sim, Billy and Sindy Schilling, Cole Sonnemann, Nick McGahuey, Scott Wilde, Driver and Reserve Deputy Josh Valdes, Reserve Deputy Ramon Montalvo and Nick, who works as a Corrections Officer.

For the Shillings, dressing up for the event has been a tradition they’ve carried on for seven years.

“It’s really a kick to see the excitement and smiles on these kids faces when we walk in the door. Their bright eyes make it worth it year after year,” said Bill Schilling.

The time-honored tradition of pre-arranged home visits around Carson City has brought its share of joy to children and their parents and grandparents, a small town touch that has brought joy and smiles for years.

For the Morelli family who live on Walker Drive in Carson City, the Santa visit is generational. Kelli Morelli has requested the visit for the past 10 years for her two sons. Her father, Larry Morelli, and late mother, had set up the visits when she and her brother were children, at least 30 years ago.

“It’s the kind of tradition in Carson City that keeps on giving,” said Kelli Morelli, pointing to her children, Collin and Alex and their grandfather.

Larry Morelli recalls his wife setting up the appearance and the delight it brought then and now.

“It is special to be here and to see this for them,” the senior Morelli said.

Six children were present at the Anderson Ranch home, where they each delighted in having Santa arrive with presents. Parent Meg Kalley, who helped arrange the visit and has done so for six years, says the tradition of having Santa appear on Christmas Eve “keeps the magic alive.”