鈥淚t was abuzz.鈥�

That鈥檚 how Shortreed Community Elementary vice-principal Lee-Anne Tarasoff described the 16th annual Christmas breakfast the school hosts.

鈥淚t was just vibrating with Christmas cheer and happy families, and we couldn鈥檛 ask for anything more,鈥� she said.

Turnout was the largest the school has seen, with an estimated 800 people attending.

The event is put on by staff of the school with the focus of bringing the community together for a Christmas breakfast with family.

Santa joined as well 鈥� for photos.

This year, for kids who couldn鈥檛 make it before school with their parent, staff held a special late breakfast in the gym after the bell rang so everyone was included.

鈥淭hey felt the excitement and the inclusion in it. We were so happy we made that change because we know that the students really appreciated it,鈥� Tarasoff commented.

Santa also hung around most of the morning, making a few surprise class visits.

While the breakfast of pancakes, pork and turkey sausages, juice and coffee was free, Shortreed were also accepting money and non-perishable food donations to give to the Aldergrove Food Bank.

More than $500 was raised and a few dozen bags of food collected, which will be wrapped and delivered by school staff.

鈥淚t was beyond expectations,鈥� Tarasoff said. 鈥淭hank you Shortreed community for supporting us and helping make this a special experience for all of our students.鈥�

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