Local couple gives Christmas party for kids
Berl Tiskus
Val Valiquette counts angels among the ornaments with Olivia Jore, right, Samantha Rensvold, Katelyne Druyvestein, and Katelyn Smith at a birthday party for Jesus on Dec. 7.
Berl Tiskus
Samantha Rensvold found an enormous orange in her stocking.
Berl Tiskus
Russian dolls a brought festive touch to the decorations.
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POLSON — In an effort to keep the spirit of Christmas alive despite the loss of both of their adult children, Val and Ron Valiquette of Polson have for three years hosted a birthday party for Jesus, inviting children of friends and their church community.
A full-sized carousel horse ridden by teddy bears pranced in the living room as about 25 excited children looked around at Santas, angels and rocking horses amidst yards of ribbon, white lights, pinecones and poinsettias. It was a Christmas wonderland at the Valiquette home Dec. 7.
Girls and boys and their parents listened as Bishop Adam Smith, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, told about Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, born in a stable in Bethlehem, far away and long ago. The children acted out the Christmas story, wearing costumes.
After singing a couple of Christmas carols, girls in Christmas finery and boys trying to keep their shirts tucked in enjoyed ice cream and birthday cake.
The Valiquettes thanked Super 1 Foods for baking the cake and also Walmart, who helped them out with the party.
Every corner, shelf and table held treasures, from a row of elaborate snow globes nestled in lights and greenery to a miniature band of mechanical bell ringers playing a carol to a twinkling Christmas tree topped with an angel.
Then it was time for stockings and presents.
Every child received a stocking as well as a new toothbrush from Gayle Siemers, DDS. Samantha Rensvold delved into her stocking and found an apple, an orange as big as her tiny hand, candy and small surprises.
Names were called again, and kids examined gift bags filled with dolls, stuffed animals, trucks, helicopters, cars, Lego sets and other treasures.
With wide eyes and a smile, Nathan Lytton held up a remote controlled truck. Lytton’s smile and smiles from all the children are part of the reason the Valiquettes have hosted the Christmas party for the last three years.
“(This party) is the way we get through Christmas,” Ron said, receiving hugs and thanks from kids.
Both the couple’s adult children passed away in the last four years. In fact, many of the Christmas pieces belonged to their daughter, Renee. The house was designed to display “all of her lovely treasures,” according to Val.
“Even some of the furniture is hers,” Val said, gently patting a dining room chair. “She’s still in our hearts.”
Christmas and children give them an excuse to decorate their home, give from their hearts and make sure everyone hears the Christmas story a least once this season.
Though they received many thanks, Val said, “The smiles on those kids’ faces were enough.”
