Heather and Nick Bahr of Arnold and their children, Blake, 9, and Drew, 2, visited the Moolah Shriners’ Feztival of Trees fundraiser event in November.
Heather and Nick Bahr of Arnold and their children, Blake, 9, and Drew, 2, visited the Magic House’s Christmas party.
Heather Bahr of Arnold sent in a picture of her and Nick Bahr’s children, Blake, 9, and Drew, 2, with Santa Claus at a Make-A-Wish event.
Stephanie Mesey of Hillsboro and her family enjoyed some time at Silver Dollar City in Branson in early November.
“For the last several years, our family has taken a long weekend trip to Branson to see the lights at Silver Dollar City,” Mesey said. “It’s such a fun tradition, and one the adults look forward to just as much as the kids.”
In the photo is Mesey with her husband, Jesse, and their son, Bennett, 4; her parents, Mike and Donna Cooper of De Soto; and her sister, Angie Forsythe of Barnhart, with Angie’s husband, Jason, and their children, Jacob, 11, and Aubrey, 8.
This late 60s picture captures four generations of family, according to Bob Berry of Eureka. A group gathers for Thanksgiving dinner at his grandparents’ house in Glendale.
“We celebrated together as an extended unity for several years during that tumultuous time during the Vietnam War, when Rick and John (Vilcek) both served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam,” Bob said. “Let us never forget those who served our country, especially those Vietnam veterans who were not respected when they returned home after the war.”
Sitting with his back to the camera is Bob’s grandfather, John Blase, with Father Frank Blase to the left.
From left are Bob’s sister, Pat; Bob; Bob’s sister, Peg; his niece, Emily; his sister-in-law, Kathy (Walter) Berry; his father, Arthur; his brother, Bill; and his future-sister-in-law, Jill. At the end of the table are Bob’s cousin, David Vilcek, with David’s girlfriend, partially hidden by the flowers.
On the right side of the table are, from left, Bob’s cousin, Eddy Vilcek; his sister, Pam; Pam’s husband, Ken Rieslow; John and Rick Vilcek; Bob’s uncle, Emil Vilcek; his aunt, Connie Vilcek; and his grandmother, Veronica (Witte) Blase.
Not pictured is Bob’s mother, Camille (Blase) Berry.
Tammy Pfaff of Imperial took this photo on Christmas 1985 of her and Paul Pfaff’s daughter, Stephanie (Pfaff) Cronin. According to Tammy, Stephanie always loved trying on her grandpa Charlie’s cowboy boots.
Tammy Pfaff of Imperial took this photo on Christmas 1992 of her and Paul Pfaff’s daughter, Sarah (Pfaff) Lough, enjoying her first riding toy.
Tammy Pfaff of Imperial took this photo on Christmas last year of her and Paul Pfaff’s granddaughters, Kayla, Kara and Kendra Cronin. “I’m beyond blessed,” Tammy said.
Jordan Teague of Hillsboro sent in a photo of son Mason Roberts, then 2, sleeping through a visit from Santa in 2021.
Jordan Teague of Hillsboro sent in a photo of son Mason Roberts, then 2, sleeping through a visit from Santa in 2021.
Cassandra Christian of Hillsboro sent in a photo of her son, Elijah, meeting Santa in Arnold during his first Christmas in 2014.
Cassandra Christian of Hillsboro sent in a photo of her son, Elijah, looking at lights during his first Christmas in 2014.
Cassandra Christian of Hillsboro sent in a photo of her sons, Elijah and Ethan, meeting Santa on Festus Main Street, 2019.
Kathy Mensie of Arnold took this photo last Christmas of her children, Amanda Sowles of Arnold and Josh Mensie of High Ridge, and their spouses, Scott Sowles and Lauren Mensie. According to Kathy, the family has an annual game where they must hunt for a pickle-shaped ornament in the tree.
“Josh found the pickle, so the others are not happy because Josh won a gift!” Kathy said.
Roxie Lane of De Soto, right, and her friend, Linda Novakovich, left, decided to treat Roxie’s mother, HenryElla Haynes of De Soto, with a Christmas must-have.
“While our close friend (Linda) was visiting from Cape Coral, Fla., in December 2019, we discovered my mom, at age 92, had never had a picture on Santa’s lap,” Roxie said. “We remedied that problem with a visit to Walmart and an eager elf photographer.”
Debbie Caldwell of Cedar Hill said she has visited the same Santa in Columbia, Ill., for several years to get pictures of her granddaughters. This photo taken in 2017 of Reagan Brunkhorst was the first.
“When I captured the first picture of my first granddaughter, I knew then that, if I was blessed with any more, each of them would have to have the same picture taken,” Debbie said. “Santa was more than happy to pose the same way for me each time.”
Debbie Caldwell of Cedar Hill said she has visited the same Santa in Columbia, Ill., for several years to get pictures of her granddaughters. This photo taken in 2018 of Emma Brunkhorst was the second.
“When I captured the first picture of my first granddaughter, I knew then that, if I was blessed with any more, each of them would have to have the same picture taken,” Debbie said. “Santa was more than happy to pose the same way for me each time.”
Debbie Caldwell of Cedar Hill said she has visited the same Santa in Columbia, Ill., for several years to get pictures of her granddaughters. This photo taken in 2021 was the third and shows Ada Claire Brunkhorst wearing the same dress her mother wore for her first Christmas.
“When I captured the first picture of my first granddaughter, I knew then that, if I was blessed with any more, each of them would have to have the same picture taken,” Debbie said. “Santa was more than happy to pose the same way for me each time.”
Thomas Zacher of Fenton sent in a picture from 1960 of himself at age 7 under his family’s silver Christmas tree. “I had to wait upstairs with my grandma until Santa came on Christmas Eve,” Thomas said. “I would run down and see all my presents and try to stay up as late as I could to play with them.”
Taylor Menteer of Horine sent in a picture of son Joshua, 4 months, with Santa at the Sunset Hills Bass Pro Shop this year. “This was his first time meeting Santa,” Taylor said. “He did so well and didn’t cry at all.”
Abigail Bequette and her son, Austin Stuckey, can be seen at Disney World in November 2018.
Abigail Bequette sent in a photo taken in Festus last December of her father, Douglas Bequette, surrounded by his grandkids, from left, Hunter Perry, 7, Charlie Hudson, 5, Grayson Hudson, 7, and Austin Stuckey, 8.
Abigail Bequette sent in a photo taken in Festus last December of her niece, Charlotte Hudson, 5. “Charlotte was very excited to open the Barbie doll she had been asking Santa for!” Abigail said.
Diane Blacksher of Herculaneum took this picture of her great-grandson, Riley O’Donohue of Herculaneum, then 4, helping decorate the Christmas tree in 2013.
Diane Blacksher of Herculaneum took this picture of her great-granddaughter, Sydney O’Donohue of Herculaneum, then 3, surrounded by Christmas decorations and gifts in 2016.
Diane Blacksher of Herculaneum sent this 2022 picture of her grandsons, Archer and Ace Blacksher, 6 and 7, of Dallas, Texas, enjoying a Polar Express event in downtown St. Louis.
Rosemary Graham of Hillsboro carried on a tradition that her late husband, George, started.
“My husband of 57 years was not a big shopper, but he loved to look for children’s coats to go on sale after the holidays,” she said. George would buy one or two coats for his great-grandchildren and save them for the following Christmas.
“He passed away in June of 2021, so that Christmas the children didn’t get coats from great-grandpa George – or ‘Triple G,’ as he was known – because he had been too ill to shop.”
Rosemary and her daughter, Donna, decided to take the spending money that George had left in his wallet and buy new coats for Christmas 2022.
In the picture Rosemary sent in, the great-grandchildren, from left, Zoey Burk, 8, Celestial Rhodes, 3, and Riley Burk, 10, show off their coats.
When handing out the coats, Rosemary and Donna had Riley, who holds his 2-year-old brother Everett’s coat, read the following message: “These coats are a gift from Great-Grandpa George from Heaven above, to my great-grandchildren that I love. When you wear them, know that I am giving you a warm hug!”
After her visitors left, Rosemary saw a Facebook post from her granddaughter, April Rose, that brought her to tears.
April Rose explained the tradition and George’s difficult childhood. “He lost his parents at a very young age and spent many winter days cold and coatless because he had no one to take care of him. He never wanted to see my babies cold. Last year was the first year they didn’t get coats from grandpa. Of course, the kids had nice warm coats and didn’t need the coats, but it wasn’t about the need.
“Tonight, my heart was happy because I know this tradition will always stay alive and be passed on in grandpa’s memory. Because of him, my children will never be cold. I didn’t realize how much those coats really meant to me until today.”
Toni Slagle of Arnold sent in a photo from 2008 of her children, Kelsey, then 10, and Lucas, then 7, with their dog, Princess.
Toni Slagle of Arnold sent in a photo of her children, Kelsey, then 3, and Lucas, then 7 months, opening Christmas presents at their house in Richmond, Ind., in 2001.
Toni Slagle of Arnold sent in a photo of her daughter, Kelsey Slagle, then 7, and grandmother baking a cake in Kelsey’s new Easy-Bake Oven she got for Christmas in 2005.
Terri Becker of Festus sent in a photo taken last December of her grandson, Gabriel Blechle, and his dog, Sapphire. “The dog wouldn’t sit still ’til he sat down,” Terri said.
Carol Talbert of De Soto took this photo last Christmas of her granddaughter, Zoey Meyers, 1, son, William Meyers, 29, and father, Frank Talbert, 92. According to Carol, the picture “captures the joy of Christmas” between three generations.
Chet Pizzullo, 56, of Wildwood sent in a photo of his family dressed up as Christmas characters for their annual get-together last year. Each year, the family has a themed Christmas party with a photo booth. Despite the large group, only two people chose the same character.
Chet and his wife, Cathy, 56, dressed as the little drummer boy and Betty Lou Who; Allison and Ryan Hanneken, 32 and 33, of St. Peters dressed as the abominable snowman and Yukon Cornelius; Andrew and Gabi Pizzullo, 28 and 27, of Brentwood dressed as the little drummer boy and Baba the lamb; Marilyn and Barry Amos, both 74, of Wildwood dressed as Rudolph and Santa; Michelle McIlvaine, 54, of Eureka dressed as a Christmas tree; Steve and Jessi McIlvaine, 35 and 31, of Pacific dressed as Snow Miser and Heat Miser; Cameron and Laura McIlvaine, 33 and 31, of Ballwin dressed as Ralphie and the lamp from the movie “A Christmas Story”; Cody and Paige McIlvaine, both 28, of Manchester dressed as Josephy and Mary; and Zack and Stacey Pizzullo, both 50, of Wildwood dressed as Muppet characters Emmet and Alice Otter.
Jeff Everett of Bloomsdale can be seen dressed as Santa at the Bloomsdale VFW last year.
Jeff Everett of Bloomsdale can be seen dressed as Santa at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Fredericktown.
Joyce Ruble of Pevely sent a photo of her grandson, Jacob Ruble, now 10, waiting for the Christmas cookies to bake in 20107. The picture was taken by Joyce’s daughter-in-law, Rebecca, at their home in Lansing, Kan.
Matthew Roland of Cedar Hill took this photo in 2021 of his girlfriend, Abigail Bequette, and her son, Austin Stuckey, at Walmart in De Soto. “Austin wasn’t feeling well that day, so she let him wear his cheeseburger slippers to Walmart,” Matthew said. “Of course, he ran into Santa that day.”
Matthew Roland of Cedar Hill took this photo in 2021 of his girlfriend’s, Abigail Bequette, son, Austin Stuckey, on Santa’s lap in De Soto.
Matthew Roland of Cedar Hill took this photo in 2021 of his dog, Chompers, in De Soto.
Erin Riegler of Arnold sent in a photo of her niece and nephew, Levi and Adeline Riegler, and children, Mason and Emma Riegler, clinking glasses at Thanksgiving in 2015.
Erin Riegler of Arnold sent in a 2022 photo of her daughter, Emma Riegler, and her friend, Haven Carter, after a night of baking Christmas cookies.
Beth O’Connell of Imperial sent in a photo taken on Christmas Eve 1949 in Muscatine, Iowa of her mother, Pat Fuller, center, and second cousins, Caroline Kemp, left, and Sandra Kemp.
Beth (Baumer) O’Connell of Imperial sent in a photo of herself at 7 months old on Christmas 1955 in Oconomowoc, Wis.
Beth O’Connell of Imperial sent in a photo taken on Christmas 1960 of herself, then 5, and her brother, Bruce, then 2, in Davenport, Iowa.
Rosemary Graham of Hillsboro sent in a photo from 1980 of her daughter, Donna (Graham) White, then 16, decorating the Christmas tree. “(She is) always there to lend a helping hand,” Rosemary said.
Rosemary Graham of Hillsboro sent in a photo from 2018 of her daughter, Donna White, helping her bake cookies.
Judy Warden of De Soto took this picture of her children, Cheri and Chris Agers, with her dog, Bridgette.
Judy Warden of De Soto sent in a picture of her granddaughter, Emily Fitzsimmons, and niece, Hailey Politte, both then 2.
Judy Warden of De Soto sent in a picture of her grandsons, Rob Agers and the late Tim Agers.
Amanda Davidson and Lorene Rogers of Imperial sent in a photo taken at Discovery Park of America in Tennessee.
“This was my son’s first time meeting Santa, and clearly he was not a fan!” Amanda said. “He cried from the moment I handed him off, and Santa was a trooper and played right along!”
Gabriella Hill and Julie Warden of Festus sent in a photo of Julianna Hill, 2 months, who is Gabriella’s daughter and Julie’s granddaughter.
Donna Massara of High Ridge sent in a 1947 photo of her mother, Rosemary Boehme, on Santa’s lap at the Famous-Barr department store in St. Louis.
Donna Massara of High Ridge sent in a 1949 photo of her mother, Rosemary Boehme, on Santa’s lap at the Famous-Barr department store in St. Louis.
Betty Todd of High Ridge took this photo of her great-granddaughter, Lily Paro, playing the piano on Christmas in 2017.
Betty Todd of High Ridge took this photo of her daughter, Angela Self, and great-granddaughter, Lily Paro, dancing to Christmas music in 2017.
Betty Todd of High Ridge took this photo of her great-granddaughter, Lily Paro, and daughter, Angela Self, handing out gifts during Christmas last year.
When Patrick Kaufman of Eureka asked his children about their favorite holiday photo, this one from 2018 came to mind. From left are Patrick’s daughter-in-law, Sam; son, Jake, who holds Way, a hissing cat; daughter, Molly, holding a fleeing cat, Arlow; son, Coleman; and daughter, Lucy, who holds another fleeing cat, Tucker.\
“How do you take a calm picture of your kids and their cats?” Patrick asked. “You don’t.”
Dennis Thousand of Wildwood sent in a photo of his grandchildren, Eloise, left, and Oliver, from 2013.
Dennis Thousand of Wildwood took this photo in 2012 in Colorado of his grandson, Oliver, enjoying his Christmas present.
Judy DuBuque of De Soto sent in a photo from 2017 of her granddaughter, Emersyn Murphy, decorating a gingerbread house.
Chelsea Wheaton of Hillsboro sent in a photo of her children, Jaymeson, 5, and Willow, 2, under the Christmas tree, which holds their Elf on the Shelf. “(The elf) brought them new Christmas PJs!” Chelsea said. “They both were so excited!”
Patrick Kaufman of Eureka sent in a picture taken in December 2002 of his children, from left, Jake, 8, Molly, 6, Coleman, 3, and Lucy, 1.
Pat Sebaugh of Hillsboro took this photo of her three youngest granddaughters at her home on Christmas Eve last year. From left is Lucy Sebaugh, 10, Taylor Swain, 13, and Savannah Swain, 11.
Pat Sebaugh of Hillsboro took this photo of her family at her home on Christmas Eve last year. From left is her daughter-in-law, Meghan Sebaugh; daughters, Toni Swain and Sheila Gonczy; grandson, Dylan Underwood; and granddaughter-in-law, Taylor Underwood.
Kelly Bonner of Hillsboro sent in a photo of her aunt, Donna (Hafley) Rohrbach, and father, Robert Hafley, meeting Santa in 1944 at the Famous-Barr department store in St. Louis. “I have always loved this picture,” Kelly said. “(Donna and Robert) were always so close.”
Tracey Simpson of Festus took this picture of her grandsons, Charlie, Liam and Alex Drennen, at her daughter’s home on Christmas Eve.
Tracey Simpson of Festus took this picture of her eldest grandson, Liam Drennen, making a snow angel at her house. “It brought back childhood memories of when my little brother and I made (snow angels),” Tracey said.
Tracey Simpson of Festus took this picture of her dogs, Sophie Grace, a blue merle Australian shepherd, and Bo-Bear, a tri-colored Australian shepherd, wearing their new winter sweaters in her snow-covered back yard.
Claudia Foran of House Springs took this photo of her grandson, Jack Spisak, then 2, at her house on Christmas. “He had a Santa suit on and looked like he wasn’t sure what was going on,” Claudia said.
Claudia Foran of House Springs sent in a photo of her grandson, Kyle Spisak, and his wife, Briannah Spisak, at their home in Rolla last Christmas. The couple hold their cats, Lemon and Oreo.
Pat Southard of De Soto took this picture on Thanksgiving in 1994 in Crystal City. From left is her husband, Bob Southard, carving turkey; her son, Timothy, and former daughter-in-law, Beth DeClue, stirring pots on the stovetop; and her son, Terry, who holds her granddaughter, Emily Southard, who is Tim and Beth’s daughter.
Pat Southard of De Soto sent in a photo taken in June 1996 of four generations of family. From left is Clyde Boyer, Pat’s father; Timothy Southard, Pat’s son, holding his daughter, Emily Southard, almost 2; and Pat.
Pat Southard of De Soto took this picture on September 22, 1996, at her great-granddaughters’ second birthday. Twins Emily, left, and Kathryn are with their parents, Tim Southard and Beth DeClue, at the First Baptist Church of Festus in Crystal City.
Brenda Pulliam Boyer of Festus had a visit from her granddaughter, Lailynn Pulliam, 4, on Christmas Eve in 2021.
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