Brenda Pulliam Boyer of Festus and her granddaughter, Ciera Pulliam, 4, visited Sacred Heart Church on Christmas Eve for midnight Mass. Ciera got to open a gift earlier that day, and insisted on taking it, a baby doll, along with them.
Brenda Pulliam Boyer of Festus sent in a picture of her granddaughter, Ciera Pulliam, 3, singing to her uncle Ryan’s dog, Proximo, and wishing him a merry Christmas.
Helen Fischer of Barnhart took this picture of her great-grandsons, Aidan and Connor Blankenship, 3 and 4, at her home in 2013. “I just wanted a picture of them in front of the tree but was delighted with the way it turned out,” Helen said. “I love the silhouettes.”
Meagan Pillard of Festus holds up her chihuahua, Mary, 18 years ago. Meagan was 18 at the time and Mary was 5. “(The picture is) special because she died at age 12,” Meagan said. “She meant so much to me.”
Meagan Pillard of Festus sent in a picture of her daughter, Davis Grace Pillard, then almost 4, on Santa’s lap in 2015.
Meagan Pillard of Festus sent in a picture of her daughter, Davis Grace Pillard, then 4, celebrating Thanksgiving at The Brain Station in Crystal City.
Becky Tipton of Crystal City sent in a photo from Thanksgiving of her granddaughter, Nora Tipton, 10, dancing with Nora’s uncle, Steve Carrera of St. Louis. According to Becky, Nora stuffed her Santa suit with pillows.
Regina Hasty sent in a photo of her granddaughter, Pamela Meyer, 4, of De Soto sitting on Santa’s lap in 2017 at a Sunrise R9 School District Christmas program.
Heather Fuse of Arnold took this picture at South County Mall in 2011 of her daughters, from left, Gracyn, now 14, Reagan, now 12, and Avary, now 17.
“I just wanted to get a Santa picture with matching shirts,” Heather said. “This photo makes me laugh and brings me joy every single year.”
Stacey Usery, 50, of Pevely sent in a photo of her son, Nikki Usery, now 14, being photo-bombed by Santa at the mall in 2018.
Stacey Usery, 50, of Pevely sent in a photo of herself and her son, Nikki Usery, now 14, celebrating the 2021 new year.
Stacey Usery, 50, of Pevely and her son, Nikki Usery, now 14, pose for a Christmas photo a few years ago.
Lindsey Morris of Byrnes Mill sent in a photo of her then 7-day-old son, Luke Morris. The Christmas picture was taken in 2020 by Amy Mitchell.
Lindsey Morris of Byrnes Mill took this Christmas photo of her then 1-year-old son, Luke Moris, in 2021.
Lindsey Morris of Byrnes Mill took this 2021 Christmas photo of her then 1-year-old son, Luke Moris, dressed as an elf and reading “Little Blue Truck Christmas” to his stuffed animals.
Photographer Serena Lammert of Barnhart took pictures of her daughters, Jewel Lammert, now 11, and Joslynn Lammert, now 12, when they were little and again this year, copying the old pose.
According to Serena, these pictures are special because they bring her children together. “I've been taking photos of them since they were babies and, as they get older, it’s harder to get them to want to still take photos with their siblings,” she said.
Photographer Serena Lammert of Barnhart took pictures of her children, Jewel Lammert, 11, Cooper Lammert, 14, and Joslynn Lammert, 12, the day before Thanksgiving.
According to Serena, these pictures are special because they bring her children together. “I've been taking photos of them since they were babies and, as they get older, it’s harder to get them to want to still take photos with their siblings,” she said.
Jamie O’Neill, 34, of Festus and her husband, Patrick, 39, posed with their children on Thanksgiving this year. From left are Primrose, 1 month, Sterling, 6, Quinn, 10, and Grey, 4, in this picture taken by Tiffany Sauer.
Jamie O’Neill, 34, of Festus sent a photo from this Thanksgiving of her grandmother, Chris Harris, surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. From left are Jamie, holding her daughter, Primrose, 1 month; Jamie’s sons, Sterling, 6, and Grey, 4; Chris; Jamie’s son, Quinn, 10; Chris’s great-grandson, Hunter, 6; and Chris’s grandson, Matt, 40.
Jamie O’Neill, 34, of Festus sent a photo taken by Tiffany Sauer on Thanksgiving of four generations of family. From left are Jamie; Jamie’s grandmother, Chris Harris, holding Jamie’s 1-month-old daughter, Primrose; and Jamie’s mother, Denise Sauer, 65.
Barb Soetebier Koelling of Wildwood sent a photo of her family dressed up for Christmas. From front are Karen, Linda, Donna, Maureen and Barb, with Rosemary Proctor as Santa. “We call this (picture) Soetebier's Sleigh,” Barb said.
Barb Soetebier Koelling of Wildwood sent a photo of her cat, Kitty Perry.
Candice Johnson of Fenton sent a photo taken at her family’s farm on November 25 in Lonedell. From left is Candice’s uncle, TJ Hotchkiss; her daughter, Madelyn Johnson Dominick; and her mother, Andrea.
Haley Spencer of Festus sent in a photo of her daughter, Lawson Spencer, 5, on Santa’s lap at Creations on Main in Festus last month.
Jessica Dillard of Festus sent in a picture of her son, Guy Pender, 1, inside his toy car. “He has his arm in the door and foot on the dash,” Jessica said.
Barbara Boca of Barnhart sent pictures of her granddaughter, Kennedie Geldermann, unhappy to meet Santa. Barbara’s daughter, Emilee Geldermann, took the photos in December 2021 at Pumpkins Galore in Wright City.
Caren Sue Evans of Festus sent a picture her husband, Marty Evans, took in 2005 of their sons, Ryan, then 11, and Hunter, then 4.
“This is a super special photo because both our sons have autism and getting them to look at the camera at the same time was so difficult,” Caren said. “Also, due to their autism, neither preferred being touched. This was the first time ever they sat together!”
Sandra Gau, 72, of Arnold sent in a family photo taken last December at her house. “Every year, we do Rob Your Neighbor with a twist,” Sandra said. “Last year, whatever gift you opened, you received a gift card and articles of clothing. You had to wear what you opened. If you trade, you not only trade your gift card, but also the clothing. Everyone had so much fun!”
In the front, from left, are her grandchildren, Brett, Cammi, Rylie, Haley and Gavin Fisher; with her son, Scott Fisher. Behind them are, from left, Sandra’s daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Ryan Ammel; her granddaughter, Addison Fisher; and herself. In the back are, from left, Sandra’s daughter-in-law, Kim Fisher; her grandsons, Braden Fisher and Colin Ammel; her son, Kris Fisher; her grandson, Carter Ammel; her daughter-in-law, Gina Fisher; and Haley’s boyfriend, Nick Tedesco.
Sandra Gau, 72, of Arnold has held annual parties for her grandchildren for 16 years. For this 2015 party, the theme was “PJs.” As you can tell, we all act a little silly,” Sandra said. “This is a tradition I started in 2007, and through the years we added grandchildren who now range in age from 10 years old to 26 years old.”
On the couch, from left, are Haley, Rylie and Gavin Fisher; Sandra; Colin Ammel; Addison, Braden and Brett Fisher; and Carter Ammel; with Cammi Fisher on the floor.
Sandra Gau, 72, of Arnold has held annual parties for her grandchildren for 16 years. For this party last year, the theme was “Toy Story.” “We all wore shirts that said ‘You got a friend in me,’” Sandra said. “They are not only cousins, but best friends. They all stay in contact with each other and always have a great time when they get together. No matter what I plan for them to wear or any antics I throw at them, they all participate without any complaints. I am so blessed to have these nine in my life. They are my heart.”
In the front, from left, are Brett, Cammi, Addison and Rylie Fisher; and, in the back, from left, Haley Fisher, Colin Ammel, Gavin Fisher, Sandra, Sandy Gau, Braden Fisher and Carter Ammel.
Pamela (Drury) Dennis of Dittmer sent a photo her mother, Carol Drury, took in 2004 House Springs. Pamela and her current husband, Josh Dennis, were dating at the time. “The special moment illustrates a great two-year relationship and such a happy Christmas,” Pamela said.
Pamela Dennis of Dittmer took this picture in November of her daughter, Jazmyn, putting the finishing touch on the Christmas tree.
Pamela Dennis of Dittmer took this picture in November of her daughters, Jazmyn, left, and Daisy. “It’s a special moment with my girls in the Christmas spirit with their holiday sweaters, Santa hats and reindeer antlers,” Pamela said.
Amanda Chapman of Festus sent a photo of Ozzy, her 9-year-old beagle mix, next to the tree last Christmas.
Amanda Chapman of Festus took this photo of her son, Jack Chapman. “He loves lights and acting silly,” Amanda said.
Amanda Chapman of Festus sent a photo of her daughters, Lucy, then 7, and Isabelle, then 5, at Festus’s WinterFest in 2021.
Liz (Bland) Schwartz, 30, and Joe Schwartz, 31, both of Arnold, became engaged nearly a year ago. “On the morning of December 25th, 2022, as I unwrapped my last present, Joe was getting down on one knee to ask me to marry him. Of course, I said yes,” Liz said.
“He completely surprised me, and I had no idea that my life was going to change that Christmas morning. This is the first photo that we took, a selfie that Joe captured, as an engaged couple.” Liz and Joe got married on November 25 of this year.
Toni Swain of Festus sent a picture of her daughter, Taylor Swain, enjoying the rocking horse that her grandfather, Leonard, carved for her for Christmas 2013.
Toni Swain of Festus sent a picture of her daughter, Savannah Swain, visiting the Festus Santa House last year. “Santa was telling her she needed new britches for Christmas!” Toni said.
Toni Swain of Festus sent a 2015 picture of her brother, Rob Sebaugh, “with his favorite Christmas gift!”
Jeanne Wingbermuehle of Eureka, who sent in a chaotic family picture for the 2022 contest, returns with a picture taken in 1966. “I said last year that we never had a family photo without someone losing it, and here is the proof!” Jeanne said. “Besides my bother losing it, my baby sister looks like she’s in a mug shot photo – numbers and all. Sorry Santa!”
In the front row, from left, are Diane (Unnerstall) G’Sell, Jim Unnerstall and Janice (Unnerstall) Willey. In the back, from left, are Marge (Unnerstall) G’Sell, Jeanne (Unnerstall) Wingbermuehle and Kathy (Unnerstall) Houston.
Alesha Loveless of De Soto took this picture of the Loveless sisters, Aubrey, 4, and Natalie, 2, at a Christmas party held by Reinhold Electrics.
Alesha Loveless of De Soto took this picture of the Loveless sisters, Natalie, 2, and Aubrey, 4. Natalie holds ultrasounds of their baby brother who is due in April.
Cyndi Miner of Festus took this picture of her one-year-old granddaughter, Abby Brinegar, at Santa’s House in Festus last year. “Her actions told us she would rather be ‘outta there,’ while Santa kept his great sense of holiday humor,” Cyndi said.
Linda Runzi, 73, of Festus took this picture of her great-granddaughter, Gwen Green, 4 of Imperial with Santa. “We were all waiting to hear her Christmas list, but she decided to tell it ‘secretly’ to Santa,” Linda said.
Linda Runzi, 73, of Festus sent in a family Christmas photo that includes four generations. Linda’s great-granddaughter, Gwen Green, 4, of Imperial sits on Santa’s lap in De Soto. In the back are Linda’s grandson, Nicholas Green, 26, and daughter, Tricia Green, 52, both from Pevely, and herself.
Stacy Moore of Fenton sent in this picture from earlier this month of her family flexing for the camera. Stacy is in the front with her daughter, Hailey Moore, 12. Her husband, T.J. Moore, and son, Shane Moore, 14, are in back.
Stacy Moore of Fenton sent in this picture taken this month by her husband, T.J. Moore, of herself and their children, Shane Moore, 14, and Hailey Moore, 12.
Stacy Moore of Fenton sent in this picture taken this month by her husband, T.J. Moore, of herself and their children, Shane Moore, 14, and Hailey Moore, 12.
Julie Warden of Festus sent in a picture of her granddaughter, Julianna Hill, 1, dressed as the character Jovie from “Elf.” Julianna’s mother, Ellie Hill, took the photo.
Britta Mahler of Arnold and her son, Killian, posed for Christmas photos taken last month by photographer Alyssa Shell.
Britta Mahler of Arnold sent a picture taken by photographer Alyssa Shell of her son, Killian, having a bad time at a Christmas photoshoot last month.
Renee Figura of Imperial sent a photo of Snickers, her chocolate labradoodle, at 6 months old in 2018.
“She didn't mind getting dressed up as a puppy, but now that she is 5 years old if you try to dress her up in a holiday sweater she will stand as still as a statue until someone takes the sweater off of her!” Renee said. “We tease and call it her ‘time out’ sweater now!”
Sandra Farrar of Imperial sent a photo of her granddaughter, Olivia Grace Guetterman, then 9 months, on Santa’s lap. “She calls me Nana, and we are best friends!” Sandra said. Her daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Mark Guetterman, took the picture in 2019.
Sandra Farrar of Imperial sent a photo of her granddaughter, Olivia Grace Guetterman, 4, with Mrs. Claus. “She calls me Nana, and we are best friends!” Sandra said. Her daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Mark Guetterman, took the picture earlier this month at a library in Dupo, Ill.
Sandra Farrar of Imperial sent a photo of her granddaughter, Olivia Grace Guetterman, then 2. “She calls me Nana, and we are best friends!” Sandra said. Her daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Mark Guetterman, took the picture last Christmas.
Heather Hollis Knuckles of Imperial sent a photo her grandfather, Edward G’Sell, took in December 1965 in Arnold. In front are Heather’s uncle, Darrel, and mother, Mary Ann. In back are her aunt, Evona, and uncle, Eddie.
Erna Cica of Arnold took this photo of her children, Liam, 9, and Sofia, 4, last year.
Linda Runzi of Festus sent a photo of her great-granddaughter, Blayke Green, 2 months, tucked inside her Christmas stocking. Blayke is the daughter of Nick Green and Meaghan Blomes of Pevely; granddaughter of Tricia and Charles Green of Pevely; and great-granddaughter of Linda and Oliver Runzi.
Jim and Gina Klaus of De Soto sent in a 2022 picture of their cairn terrier, Rip, with Santa, Waylon Perren of De Soto, at De Soto Public Library.
Audrey Hardin of De Soto sent a photo that her daughter-in-law, Taralyn Hardin, took in 2022. This picture is special to Audrey because her family, despite its growth, is still close to home and can continue the Christmas Eve tradition of gathering in pajamas.
In front, from left, are Audrey’s grandsons, Garrett Hardin, 20; Cole McClinton, 16; Trevor Hardin, 16; and Drew Hardin, 17. In back, from left, are a friend, Gracie Richardson, 19; Audrey’s granddaughter, Elizabeth McClinton, 12; her grandson-in-law, Nolan Boeving, 22, holding her great-granddaughter, June Boeving, 2 months; her granddaughter, Kylie Boeving, 22, holding her great-granddaughter, Charlie Jo Boeving, 1; her granddaughter, Maddilyn Hardin, 19; and a friend, Monica Broombaugh, 18.
Lisa Polley sent in a picture of Zeke Polley, 1, being held by his grandfather, Bill Polley. “Zeke was in awe as he looked into the eyes of Santa,” Lisa said.
Karen Crum of House Springs sent a photo of her grandchildren, Andrew and Amelia, meeting Santa for the first time this year at the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge.
Karen Crum of House Springs sent a photo of her great-grandson, Luke, meeting Santa this year.
William “Bill” Polley of De Soto is featured as Santa in several holiday photos submitted this year and in years past. Bill’s daughter, Caitlin Butcher of Arnold, sent a photo from last month of him holding Stewart, Caitlin’s 6-year-old shih tzu.
“My father has been playing Santa since before my parents were even married. It’s fun to see that he is continuing his passion of being Santa decades later,” Caitlin said. “As my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the beginning of 2022, it’s great to see him doing something that he continues to love by bringing joy to others.”
Alyssa Badami of Fenton sent a picture taken earlier this month of her daughter, Mia Mays, 1, dressed as Buddy the Elf from the movie “Elf.”
Rex Rieger of Imperial took this photo of his grandson, Liam Rieger, helping bake Christmas cookies.
Rex Rieger of Imperial took this photo of his granddaughter, Arabella Rieger, dressed as an Elf on the Shelf.
Rex Rieger of Imperial took this photo of his granddaughters, Audrey and Ada Rieger of St. Louis, for Christmas.
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