Since 1928, members of The Military Order of the Cootie have spread holiday cheer to National Home residents. And after 88 years, Cootie Christmas remains one of the most anticipated events here on campus. The Cooties came to town the week after Thanksgiving, traveling from far and wide to share the holiday spirit at the National Home. The festivities began on Wednesday with a spaghetti dinner, hosted by the Florida Cooties. Residents and Cooties, enjoyed a meal together at the Guest Lodge and did some cookie decorating! Friday evening, members of the VFW Department of Michigan District 8 organized the delivery of presents to the children living on campus. Fire trucks rolled through the neighborhood, transporting Santa and Mrs. Claus from house to house to deliver gifts to the children eagerly waiting. Little faces peeked out of windows and doors and lit up with the innocent joy that only the magic of the holiday season can inspire. The fun culminated in a Christmas Party on Saturday. Cooties and resident families gathered at the Community Center for a morning of fun and entertainment, followed by the Florida Picnic in the Snow (lunch). There was a craft sale and magic act, a performance by the Capitol City Chorus, and at noon, the big man himself arrived for a special visit with the children at the party — bearing gifts, of course! Among the Cooties in attendance were Supreme Commander, James Malott, Supreme President Lee Ann Lam, Supreme Sr. Vice Commander Dan Kramer, and Supreme Sr. Vice President Penny Cacoulidis. To see more pictures from the fire truck delivery check out our Flickr album here. To see pictures from the Christmas Party click here.