Treazure Freeman is someone who likes to wake up early on Christmas morning and gaze at the presents under the tree in anticipation of finding out what she got.

“Sometimes you wake up first, and then you have to wait until your mom wakes up,” Treazure said.

So this year, she said it was nice to get a gift from Santa Claus before Christmas, instead of having to wait.

“It’s like a gift early,” said 9-year old Treazure, “so you don’t have to wait. And sometimes you might get two, or one, or three. And it’s a nice thing to do.”

She was one of about 30 children, and about 50 people overall, who turned out Monday to the Hollydazzle Christmas celebration at the Hampton Inn Suffolk on Centerbrooke Lane near Godwin Boulevard.

Besides Santa’s visit with toys for the children, the hotel provided stocking stuffers, free food, hot chocolate and crafts. Pastor Andrew Logue of Suffolk Bible Baptist Church — which used to meet at the hotel — also shared the story of Christmas with those in attendance and handed out small gifts to the children.

“We just like to give back,” said hotel general manager Sabrina Miller. “We just wanted to say, ‘OK, we’re here, but we want to be a part of the community.’”
The hotel, which has been open since 2015, is in its fourth year hosting a Christmas party for children.

Sabrina Butler, whose sister Pauline works at the hotel, brought two of her children and several nieces and nephews to the party.

“It was nice for them to do something for the kids,” Butler said. “When Santa walked in, it got real exciting.”

Zyan Fisher, 9, Treazure’s cousin, was one of the excited children.

“I liked that he had a lot of presents, and he gave them to a lot of people,” Zyan said.

Izzy Dickson enjoyed his second visit with Santa.

“I liked the fact that he gave me two hot rods,” said Izzy, who is hoping to get DJ equipment for Christmas. “I hope that he gives me a lot of presents.”

Miller said the event is all about the kids, and the hotel plans to keep on doing it and try to make it bigger and better.

“I’m all about the holidays,” Miller said. “I’m all about the kids, just to see them come and be themselves. … I think just as we put so much emphasis on ourselves as adults, we’ve got to bring it back (and have it be) about the kids. … This is something that we’re going to continue to keep doing.”

And for Monday at the Hampton Inn, it was about the children.

Trinity Fisher, 11, was just happy to meet Santa, see him up close and receive a gift, since she’s usually asleep when he visits.

“Unfortunately, I can’t really see him,” Trinity said. “He just gives the presents and then goes to a different house. So basically, we can’t see him.”

But at least once, she got the chance.