Kids from all over the South Coast came to the Southworth Library on Saturday morning to make Christmas ornaments, meet Santa Claus, and help the library decorate a tree in preparation for the holiday.

Ellery Bendiksen, 5, of Dartmouth was making ornaments with her four-year-old brother Reidar. 

She said she asked Santa for a gymnastics bar for her house. 

“She likes gymnastics,” explained dad Hans, who added that she’ll be turning six next month.

“Me too! I’m going to be a big boy,” said Reidar, whose birthday is in June. 

Their favorite part, said Hans, was making the ornaments. 

“They’re making elf ornaments,” he said, adding that they were trying to make one of each type of ornament at the library. “They made ‘em all!”

Children’s Librarian at Southworth Library Christie Phillips organizes the event every year.

“This is our third year,” she said. “We do a different craft every year to try to keep it fresh.”

Phillips also reads a story to the kids. This year’s book was “Olive, the Other Reindeer,” a story about a dog who joins in the Christmas fun.

Last year she said they decorated cookies, and next Saturday the library will be hosting a cupcake decorating competition.

The tree decorating event was going well, she added, with nearly 60 people of all ages showing up. 

“It’s going good,” she said with a smile. “It seems everybody’s happy.”

Eight-year-old Penelope Diotte-Arsenault of New Bedford said she made five ornaments. “I made one of each,” she said. “Peter, my brother, made a Santa.” 

Peter was running around the room. 

“He’s turning two next Thursday,” she added. “And tomorrow we’re doing his birthday party...We’re gonna have cake.”

“It’s a wonderful event for children,” said one grandparent, who wished to remain anonymous.

“We’d like to thank the library for putting on such a nice event. [Our granddaughter] is having a wonderful time.”