Feliz Navidad at the Special Stop for Santa

It was “navidad, navidad, navidad rock” at the Special Stop for Santa on Marco Lake Drive. On December 21st, Chief Tracy Frazzano and members of the Marco Island Police Department brought holiday joy and cheer to many families and their children.

According to Allyson Richards, this was the Fourth Annual Special Stop for Santa at Marco Lake. Partnering with AL’s Pals, Chief Tracy Frazzano was assisted by members of the Marco Island Police Department (MIPD) playing Santa to over 80 children and their families. First, the children picked out gifts for themselves and then got to select gifts for their moms and dads. A big thank you to Christmas Island Style parade participants, members of San Marco Catholic Church, a generous donor from the United Church of Marco Island and all the other volunteers who made this a truly special stop for Santa. 

The music to Feliz Navidad was blaring from a MIPD speaker and to the Spanish-speaking moms, dads, aunties and children, it was a very familiar tune. It is a simple, heartwarming song which is half Spanish and English. Feliz Navidad is brief - only 19 words in English and Spanish. The six Spanish words, “Feliz Navidad y prospero ano felicidad,” means Merry Christmas, prosperous year and happiness.  Anybody can sing it!

The song also represented the theme of the event – the Marco community came and filled that void with their generosity of toys for the children, baby basics for those too young to play with toys, clothing, diapers, blankets for cooler nights and other essentials. And they brought music and well wishes for a Prospero Ano (Prosperous New Year).