The Grinch stopped into the front office of the STC Elementary school and met with secretary Michelle Davis. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS AND JONATHAN MEYER

Christmas spirit infested the Tama-Toledo in the days leading up to the holiday. Nary a thing could be seen or heard that didn’t fill citizens with yuletide joy.

Last Friday, South Tama Elementary had an unexpected visitor. The Grinch, the furry green creature with the ever-growing heart, came about, dashing over piles of snow and into classrooms. The screams of delight of children could be heard throughout the entire school as this Christmas burglar snuck about, catching the curious eye of little ones.

Mr. Grinch wandered from the lunchroom to the kindergarten class, slinking through the hallways with speed. Then in an instant, he was outside and peering in windows, shocking all the who’s down in the Whoville second-grade classroom. The high school was also reportedly visited by this mischievous holiday staple.

The spirit of the season filled the hearts of those more rugged as well. Live Pro Wrestling held another slobberknocker of an event on the 21st. It wasn’t only for entertainment; it wasn’t only to see who got the champion belt, but it was also for a good cause.

As AJ Murphy and QC Wayne battled it out, throwing each other around in a display of truly brutal gladiatorial combat, a baby doll wasn’t that far away. That’s because all those in attendance had the option of either donating a toy or cash for families that can’t afford toys at Christmas. With a packed house, they were able to fill boxes with toys and raise more than $200.

Two athletes with Live Pro Wrestling show off the toys raised for those in need. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS AND JONATHAN MEYER

This was the first year for the event, but it is likely to return. Live Pro Wrestling representative Shawn Fox stated, “I believe it’s an awesome thing to do again because we’re delivering the toys directly to the families in need.”

The city of Tama got into the swing of things with a little friendly decoration competition. This is another new event, and it was backed by an anonymous donor. This secret Santa gave the city of Tama $200 for the competition. $100 for the best set of residential lights and $100 for the best set of commercial lights.

There was no ballot, no names, as everyone in the city limits who had lights up were automatically in the running for the prize. Judges cruised around town looking at everything that sparkled and twinkled before making their final decision. Thomas Company won the residential and Mr. Tom Murphy won the residential award.

The Grinch lurking about, wrestlers fighting to get presents for children, and lights against lights, Tama-Toledo went all in this holiday season. To paraphrase a recent visitor to our neck of the woods, what if Christmas doesn’t come from a store, but from the faces of delighted school children and the hearts of wrestlers.

The Grinch dashed around the school, looking in windows surprising and delighting children. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS AND JONATHAN MEYER

The Grinch dashes through classrooms.

A festive brick house in the window led Thomas Company to victory in the commercial competition. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS AND JONATHAN MEYER

Pictured is the Murphy household which won the residential light competition in Tama, taking home the hundred dollars of prize money. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS AND JONATHAN MEYER