In some places, it’s not Christmas till Santa and his reindeer show up. In the West Seattle Junction, the Belgian draft mules and their carriage are almost as much of a holiday icon. They’re here now (video) and giving rides till 3 pm – just wait by Hometown Holidays HQ alongside KeyBank, which is where you’ll find Pathfinder K-8 with holiday facepainting:

Your holiday helpers in that photo are Lashanna and Jen (whose face is already painted). Pathfinder is also selling wreaths, raising money for outdoor-education programs, just a few steps west along SW Alaska by the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. And of course, Santa has arrived in The Junction today too – with photos raising money for WestSide Baby, which is near and dear to the heart of the young lady with whom we photographed St. Nick a short time ago:

That’s McInnis Woodland, daughter of WestSide Baby’s executive director Nancy Woodland. Donna Ryan Photography is taking professional Santa photos again this year (we took the pic above – hers will be much lovelier!) – your $15 donation today goes to WS Baby. By the way, Donna is having a contest to name the retail shop – including kids’ clothes – that she opened alongside the studio space earlier this year; winner gets a $500 shopping spree – entry details here.

Next up for Hometown Holidays Sunday – West Seattle Volunteer Recognition Awards at HH HQ, California/Alaska southwest corner, at 1 pm!

Monday P.S. – As discussed in comments, Santa photos continue the next two Sundays, 11 am-3 pm, at Donna Ryan’s studio, on SW Alaska south of California, next to Cupcake Royale, as do other Junction festivities, though the mules aren’t back till December 19th.