LYNN — His dad will be deployed for his first Christmas and birthday, but on Wednesday night, the community helped bring holiday cheer to 11-month-old Elijah Melanson.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived to visit Elijah and his mom Julie atop an old fire truck decked with brightly colored lights, reindeer, and Santa’s sleigh that has become a staple in the city’s annual Christmas Eve parade.
Elijah’s dad, U.S. Army Sgt. Tim Melanson, has been deployed since October and plans to return to Lynn in August. He has served in the Army for five years.
“I’m grateful for what he’s done for our family,” said Julie. “He works really hard for our family.”
She said she was also grateful for Habitat Plus, a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing for veterans and chose to sponsor her family this holiday season.
She, her son, and her sister all received gifts from Santa to open under the tree. While Elijah probably doesn’t understand what Christmas is all about yet, Julie said she knows he likes the lights that come along with the season. And lights he got.
City Councilor Jay Walsh broke out the Christmas engine for the special occasion. The retired fire engine that carries Santa’s sleigh and reindeer has been a fixture in the annual parade for many years.
The tradition began when Saugus’ Christmas Eve parade caught the eye of the late Richie Vigler, a friend of Walsh, who decided Lynn should have one of its own. He sought the help of Walsh’s dad John, who transformed his oil truck into a float to lead the procession. Years later, he bought the retired Lynn Fire truck and modified it to be the platform for Santa’s sleigh.
The parade route remains the same as it was more than three decades ago and spans more than 22 miles through the city’s streets.
“I think it’s cool for my brother to be honored for being in the Army and sweet that they’re giving Elijah gifts,” said 13-year-old Kristen Johnston, Elijah’s aunt. “It’s nice.”
