Santa Returns To Aurelio's In Frankfort, Delivers Special Message

FRANKFORT, IL — While many of us are busy with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season now underway, arguably no one is busier this time of year than Old St. Nick himself. And even though he's swamped in paperwork — writing lists and checking them twice — Santa still had time to stop in at Aurelio's Pizza in Frankfort Tuesday for some face time with all the good little boys and girls.

Patch on Tuesday caught up with Santa, AKA Denis Brunner, and he had a special message for everyone this holiday season:

"My message to the boys and girls around the world: With the last year and a half we have lived, it has not been the brightest and the most beautiful. You can take it on yourself to make the world beautiful. It may not work for the entire world, but it will work for your world."

Brunner has been a staple at events around the southwest suburbs for more than 30 years. He took up the mantle when his father, David Brunner, died in 2006. The elder Brunner had also been a familiar white-bearded face in the area for more than 40 years himself. So it makes sense that Denis Brunner and his son/chief elf assistant/future Santa in training, David, continue the family family business to this day.

Brunner is already taking bookings for next year, but before then he has several appearances lined up through this weekend. He is scheduled Wednesday to be at Aurelio's Pizza in Mokena, Thursday he will be back at Aurelio's in Frankfort, Saturday he will be at the Frankfort Park District Founders Community Center for its Santa's Photos and Workshop and its Paws with Claus photos with pets, and Sunday he will be on Frankfort Park District's Polar Express Storytime Train, which runs from Mokena to Joliet and back.

The Santa's Photos and Workshop, as well as the Polar Express Storytime Train, are sold out; however, Santa is still available at both Aurelio's locations starting at 5 p.m. at 9901 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort and 19836 Wolf Road in Mokena, and at Paws with Claus from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Frankfort Park District Founders Community Center, 140 Oak St. in Frankfort.

• Related: Pets Can Get Photos With Santa, Too

Santa's mailbox is filled year round with Christmas gift requests from children, but Patch wanted to know what's on Santa's wish list this year.

"Santa wants a new bicycle," Brunner said. "My youngest elf (David) knows, 'Tell mom I want a new bicycle this year.' And my youngest elf is an avid bowler. We're getting matching bowling balls this year."