Santa Spotted on St. John

Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI - Today reports were received that Santa made an unscheduled pre-holiday appearance in the U. S. Virgin Islands on St. John. Bob Phillips a winter resident from Stamford Connecticut snapped a photo showing Mr. Claus decorating a plumeria tree with strings of white lights. The photo shows he was not in his usual attire—the white fur-trimmed red suit and hat with black belt and matching boots. It appears he was passing for an islander in shorts and ironically a red shirt. "I have no doubt it was Santa. At first I didn't recognize him, because he looked so fit and has lost some weight—probably has a personal trainer now and a good nutritionist." reported Bob Phillips. Mr. Phillips tried to engage Santa, but the jolly fellow simply touched the side of his nose, replied "Ho,Ho,Ho!" and dashed around the corner of the house. The jingling of bells were heard and a rushing sound. By the time Mr. Phillips ran into the open to look for signs of a flying sleigh, Santa was gone. "I'm so grateful he made this stop at our house on Fish Bay." stated Bob Phillips. "Because we were stumped as to how we'd be able to decorate a Christmas tree this year. We inquired in town about trees, but they had all been reserved. I'm guessing this happened because Jim and I have been good boys all year long."