By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

It only took a few minutes for a group of North Hills Christian School kindergartners to make the day for dozens of courthouse personnel Wednesday with a few Christmas songs, some jingle bells and a whole lot of cuteness.

“I think it’s awesome that they would come to share the Christmas season,” said Rowan Clerk of Court Jeff Barger.

Barger said he enjoys coming to hear the children sing every year.

Cathy Stewart, who works in the clerk’s office, said this is the first year she was able to hear the children sing.

Stewart said Christmas has gotten so commercialized and people forget the true meaning of the holidays that the singing “brings us back to the heart of what Christmas is all about.”

“We need to stop and realize what it’s all about,” Stewart added.

Courthouse and sheriff’s office employees started filling the lobby to hear the singing that included a happy birthday song to Jesus, “Jingle Bells,” and “Away in a Manger.”

This year the children got a surprise visit from Santa Claus, who gave out hugs and high fives.

“What do you want for Christmas?” Santa asked the students.

“To be a reindeer,” shouted one little boy amid laughter from those gathered.

Sheriff Kevin Auten said the school has been bringing students to perform at the courthouse for close to 20 years.

“They come every year. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on what the season is about,” he said.

He said the performance is also a good opportunity for the children to have a positive interaction with law enforcement.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.