As holiday festivities enliven Dallas, heartfelt family reunions and cherished traditions like Santa’s visits and Tuba Christmas create lasting memories.
DALLAS — With the holidays near and unplugged emotions, surprises come a dime a dozen.
“I told her I was meeting John,” said Big Al Mack, Kidd Kraddick Morning Show.
He brought his granddaughter to Dallas Love Field for a special surprise.
“I was like, ‘Who’s John,’ for a few minutes,” said Charlie, Mack’s granddaughter.
Mack surprised Charlie with a visit from her other grandfather and her two brothers.
“I’m feeling great. Good to see the brat,” said Tim Gregory, Charlie’s grandfather.
While the gift of travel brings together distant bonds, it’s the ones already settled that are trying to beat the odds.
“We’re still looking for stuff, but we’re still trying to find stores, looking around,” said Everli Brett, a NorthPark Center shopper.
“I’ve mostly gotten my shopping done. It’s really the wrapping that is the problem,” said DaNae Lowe, another shopper.
With lists already sent and bows already tied, NorthPark shoppers got see the long-awaited moment of meeting the big guy. Santa Claus arrived to greet shoppers. He traded songs and stories for gifts and wishes. He even gave his prediction of the Powerball number.
“Of course, my guess would be 25. You can always count on that number,” said Santa Claus.
Away from the hustle of the mall, tubas provided holiday cheer. It was the annual Tuba Christmas.
“I’ve been playing in Dallas since ’78. Today is my 70th Tuba Christmas,” said Barry Montgomery, Tuba Christmas Assistant Coordinator.
Although Christmas Eve brought busyness all around, it’s safe to say that most were holiday bound.