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Celebrating Christmas amid hurricane recovery
FOX 13's Evyn Moon reports on a Clearwater couple that took to the beaches to greet beachgoers dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus this Christmas.
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Clearwater Beach was filled with holiday cheer this Christmas as families came together to celebrate despite the challenges of a difficult year.
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus took to the beach to spread joy and share gifts with both locals and tourists.
Gary and Jennifer Seguin are taking pictures with people on the beach in Clearwater dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Gary and Jennifer Seguin have carried out this tradition for five years, but this year was especially meaningful.
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"We weren't going to do it this year because of the hurricane. We had so much damage to our house; we just got back in ten days ago, and Gary was tired," said Jennifer Seguin, dressed as Mrs. Claus. "But I said, 'Let's go do it. We get to see all the smiling faces."
"I feel good, really good," Gary, dressed as Santa Claus, said. "It’s the fifth year we’ve done this, and it’s good for the kids, good for us, for the soul. We’re having fun doing it."
Gary continued, "The devastation up and down the coast, the people who lost everything—your heart goes out to them. Hopefully, they can make a good Christmas of it."
Gary and Jennifer Seguin are taking pictures with people on the beach in Clearwater dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
For other locals, like Lynn Stevens, the sight of families enjoying the holiday festivities was a welcome change after months of rebuilding.
"It’s great to see it because for the last couple of months, this place has been piles of sand, just wiped out. It’s a shame we had to go through that, but it’s nice to see folks out again."
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Despite their challenges, the Seguins hope their act of kindness will inspire others to share in the spirit of giving.
"I hope that what we are doing brings hope and joy to everybody else," Gary said. "Just before Christmas, those who don’t have anything—hopefully they’ll make a good day of it."
"I just want everybody to pass it on, pass it along," Jennifer added.
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