For 94 years, members of the Military Order of the Cootie have spread holiday cheer to National Home residents. Since 1928, Cootie Christmas has remained 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. Then, residents and Cooties enjoyed a meal together at the Guest Lodge and did some cookie decorating. The kids got a little bored this year and decided to decorate Executive Director, Mike Wilson, MOC Supreme Commander, Dwight Hora, and District 5 Trustee and fellow Cootie, Mark Winn!

Friday evening, members of the VFW Department of Michigan’s District 8 organized the delivery of presents to resident families for the Santa Firetruck Delivery. 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 windows and doors and lit up with the innocent joy that only the magic of the holiday season can inspire.

The fun culminated in the Cootie 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). In Addition, there was a craft sale, magic act, performance by the Capitol City Chorus, a special story time with Mrs. Claus, and at noon, the big man himself arrived for a visit with the children at the party — bearing gifts, of course!

Thank you for another year of bringing joy to the residents and staff of the National Home!