Braselton Christmas Tree

And that's what made his appearance so special for children in Braselton generations ago.

Each year, on the third weekend in November, the Braselton Brothers Store would welcome St. Nick during its anniversary sale.

"I remember as a child the thrill of the Christmas parade with Santa coming to the store on a decorated truck or a fire truck," said Robbie Bettis, who operates the Braselton Antique Mall in the former Braselton Bros. Store. The family-run store opened in 1887 and closed in 1990.

"One time, Mickey Mouse accompanied Santa," she continued. "Can you imagine 50 years ago I actually saw Santa because of the Braseltons and their willingness to delight children."

And of course, Santa brought gifts for children awaiting for his appearance - often on a fire truck, wagon or carriage.

Martha Martin said Santa would give paper bags filled with gifts to the children. Her mother once got an orange and a pepper stick in her paper bag, which was the only gift she received that Christmas, Martin said.

This Saturday - during the annual Christmas in Braselton festival - the first 50 people to the tree lighting ceremony will receive a paper bag filled with small gifts.

"The (Rotary Club of Braselton) is trying to pick up that tradition," Martin said.

Saturday's tree lighting ceremony in front of the Braselton Antique Mall in downtown Braselton is the earliest in Georgia - and possibly the U.S., Bettis said.

The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with entertainment prior to the 6 p.m. lighting.

"The kids will love who we've got to light the tree," Martin said.

This has been an annual tradition for the Rotary Club of Braselton.

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The Rotary Club of Braselton continued their tradition by decorating the 2009 City of Braselton Christmas Tree on Friday, November 13, 2009. Santa's tree committee was composed of Rotarians Paul Maney, Juli Adamson, Mike Williams. Joe Hicks, Claire Miller and Martha Martin.